Makati City Mayor Abby Binay proudly shared the results of her recent visit to London where she participated in a week-long summit that gathered global leaders and innovators who are at the forefront of technology and sustainability. Makati City Mayor Abby Binay at the 2023 London Tech Week
According to Binay, the 2023 London Tech Week was held on June 12 to 16 at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre and is already on its 10th year. She was chosen as one of the panelists in the event. During the summit, Binay said she met numerous individuals and influencers, including some Filipinos, who are leading in the field of technology, startups, Artificial Intelligence (AI), green innovation, and digital transformation. "Isang eye-opening at immersive experience ito para sa akin dahil nagsama-sama ang mga pinakarespetado at magagaling na speakers sa mga larangang ito (This has been an eye-opening and immersive experience for me because a lot of well-respected and renowned speakers in these fields came together and participated in this event)," Binay said. The mayor also met with Ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Teddy Locsin Jr. as they celebrated the 125th Independence Day of the Philippines. She also had the chance to meet with Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch who shared some of her country's programs and initiatives to promote and nurture their tech companies and startups which may also be implemented in Makati City. Binay was also invited to the home of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at 10 Downing Street which she described as a once-in-a lifetime experience. The local chief also did not miss the opportunity to visit some of London's tourist attractions and landmarks such as the Parliament Square. "Ang bawat biyahe ay nagiging mabunga kapag nilakipan na ng proyektong mag-aangat sa antas ng buhay ng ating mga residente. Ginawa at patuloy ko itong ginagawa para maiparanas sa mga Proud Makatizen ang isang digital, resilient, sustainable Makati na maipagmamalaki ng mga susunod na henerasyon (Each travel becomes fruitful if it will be used for the creation of projects that will improve the lives of our residents. I will continue to do these kinds of things for me to be able to provide our Proud Makatizens a digital, resilient, and sustainable Makati that the next generations will be very proud of)," the mayor said. As a staunch promoter of sustainability and technology, Binay's administration launched several pioneering initiatives aimed at giving quality and efficient service to not just its residents but also the environment such as the procurement of electric vehicles (e-vehicles) to be used by the city government, the installation of solar panels in public schools and government offices to minimize energy consumption and to ensure continuity of services during calamities, the launching of digital copies of the Makatizen Card which can be accessed through smartphones or any internet-enabled device which enables Makatizens to experience easier and faster access to the city government's programs and services, and the use of e-wallets for the safe and convenient distribution of financial aid to its residents.