Makati City Mayor Nancy Binay promised fast, accessible, and genuinely beneficial services for the city residents during her first address at the inaugural session of the City Council on Wednesday, July 30.

"We envision and will strive to create a government that is efficient and effective. We will create programs which will benefit and will be felt by the people; not just for optics, not just for press releases," Binay said, as she outlined her administration's commitment to making Makati both a business and creative hub.

During the session, the mayor announced her plans to renew support for the Poblacion Heritage Conservation Project and restore historical landmarks and buildings to showcase the city's rich cultural heritage.

"Nararapat po lamang na ibahagi ang mga yamang ito sa lahat ng Pilipino upang kanilang matunghayan at maranasan ang pamanang kultura ng Makati (It is only appropriate to share these treasures with all Filipinos so that they can see and experience the cultural heritage of Makati)," she said, referring to the 150 cultural assets identified in the city's last cultural mapping.

Aside from the Poblacion Heritage Conservation Project and the restoration of historical landmarks and structures in Makati, Mayor Nancy's administration also plans to introduce incentive programs for diverse start-ups, including technology, food, handicrafts, and creative enterprises.

"Progress should not mean wastage. In Makati, progress must be aligned with the responsible stewardship of our resources," Binay stressed, emphasizing the implementation of reduce, reuse, recycle, and upcycling programs.

The mayor also assured city government employees that amid technological advances such as the dawn of artificial intelligence (AI), no one will be displaced. Instead, she announced the idea of expanded training and upskilling opportunities for workers so that they can use the technology to their advantage.

"Sa halip, umaasa po kami na sa pagtaguyod sa ating mga empleyado, sila po mismo ang gagamit ng AI para mas mapabuti ang kanilang paglilingkod sa bayan (Instead, we hope that by supporting our employees, they themselves will use AI to better serve the people)," Binay said.

Early initiatives under her administration include extending contracts for casual employees and consultants to ensure uninterrupted service delivery during the transition period and streamlining the Yellow Card renewal process by removing the Makatizen Card requirement to provide immediate access to health services.

Reflecting on the foundation laid by her father, former Vice President Jejomar Binay, the mayor reaffirmed her commitment to building upon Makati's achievements.

She noted how the city's pioneering social programs, from student supplies to senior citizen services, have been adopted by other local government units nationwide.

"These envisioned programs will require new resolutions and ordinances to truly take effect and make an impact on the lives of our constituents," Binay noted.