Mayor Biazon: Muntinlupa now a smart, sustainable, strong city

Mayor Ruffy Biazon said Muntinlupa has become a smart, sustainable and strong city with the use of technology and innovation, and solutions that maximize resources. 

“Today we celebrate the 30th year since our home town became a city. Today we can say that Muntinlupa has transformed into a city that is Smart, Sustainable, and Strong,” said Biazon in his State of the City Address during the 30th Muntinlupa cityhood anniversary celebration on March 1. 

He said, “Smart because we are utilizing technology and innovation to make the government more efficient in the use of resources, faster in the delivery of services, more streamlined in its processes and make decisions based on data gathered through its systems.”

The mayor said Muntinlupa is “sustainable because we adopt solutions that help us maximize our use of resources but still remain mindful of the needs of future generations. Strong because we remain resilient in the face of calamities, crisis, and challenges that put to the test our determination to survive and succeed.”

Muntinlupa became a highly-urbanized city with the signing of Republic Act 7926 on March 1, 1995. 

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon delivering his State of the City Adress on March 1 (Photo from Muntinlupa PIO)

In his speech, he mentioned what the city government has done since he assumed office in 2022 and the plans that will be implemented under his 7K Agenda. 

“While we have come a long way from what was described as a sleepy town to a bustling, modern, highly urbanized city that it is now, the character of its people remains rooted in the traditional values of caring for the community, goodwill towards each other, and earning your keep through hard work,” he said. 

He added, “Coming at the heels of the successes of those who laid the city’s foundation, we ask ourselves : what else can we do to achieve greater accomplishments? We ask this not to just simply outdo those we followed, but more to push ourselves to break new ground, find new paths and create through innovation.”

Kaunlaran (Development) 

Under his “Kaunlaran” agenda, the mayor envisions Muntinlupa to be a “Model Smart Urban Village” of the region. 

“We crafted our vision to visualize a future that we want for our people. But as I quote during my previous addresses - ‘The best way to predict the future is to create it,’” he said. 

This year, he said, the city government is updating the Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan and Zoning Ordinance,  which “will provide a framework for the City's physical development, and the smart and efficient allocation of land and water resources for various uses.” 

The city government will implement key e-governance projects, including the Citizens’ Database and Muntizen ID, “a city-wide database and unified ID Card System to record and monitor the city’s population and migration information, as well as the provision and availment of City Government’s social, educational and medical benefits to our citizens.”

The city will also have the Centralized Geographic Information System (CGIS), “a software to map and digitalize geographic data of the City.”

Improving the MUNCONNECT, Muntinlupa’s public wi-fi system located in schools, business establishments and government facilities, is also being planned. 

Biazon said the city government’s efforts were recognized through various awards including the Seal of Good Local Governance for the third consecutive year and ranking fourth among all highly-urbanized cities in the country in the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index. 

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon with the representatives of the top 10 taxpayers in the city (Photo from Muntinlupa PIO)

He thanked the business sector as the city government surpassed its business tax collection target in 2024, reaching P2.4 billion. 

“Through our programs on business permit registrations complimented by ‘Ease of Doing Business’ strategies, we made sure that Muntinlupa is a City that remains Business-Friendly and attractive for new and thriving investment opportunities,” he said. 

This year, the city government allocated funds for the construction of the following: Women's and Children Wellness Center - Alabang,  Mega Health Center - Alabang, Mental Health and Palliative Care Building - Alabang, Muntinlupa Senior Citizen's Center - Bayanan,  PDAO Building - Poblacion and Inclusive Learning Resource Center (ILRC) - Poblacion. 

The city government honored the top 10 taxpayers in Muntinlupa on March 1. 

Kalusugan (Health) 

One major plan unveiled by Biazon was to further improve the services at the city-run Ospital ng Muntinlupa in Alaang. 

“I acknowledge that we have a problem in OsMun. As the local chief executive, I assume responsibility to solve that problem,” he said. 

Last year, the city government allocated P321.53 million for the operational requirements of the hospital and P25.57 million for hospital’s infrastructure projects. 

In 2019, the Ospital ng Muntinlupa was designated as a Local Economic Enterprise, which mandated it to have its own revenue. 

Last year, an ordinance was passed to return the operation of the hospital under the city government, which became effective last Jan. 1. 

“Ngayong 2025, sa pagbabalik ng pamamahala ng OsMun sa ilalim ng City Government, asahan ang mga malawakang reporma para mapabuti ang kalidad ng serbisyong pangkalusugan sa ating lungsod ("Now in 2025, with the return of OsMun management under the City Government, expect widespread reforms to improve the quality of health services in our city),” he said. 

The city government allocated P100 million this year for the renovation of the hospital buildings and facilities. 

Biazon held a dialogue with the Ospital ng Muntinlupa doctors and staff last January. 

“Pero ang isa sa mga magiging napakamahalaga na pagbabago ay sa pamamahala ng ospital. Ang bagong pananaw at pamamaraan sa serbisyo ng ospital ay magiging daan tungo sa serbisyong tumutugma sa ating tagubilin na Fast, Responsive, Effective and Efficient (F.R.E.E.) Service with a Smile (But one of the most important changes will be in the hospital's management. The new vision and approach to hospital service will pave the way for a service that aligns with our mission of Fast, Responsive, Effective and Efficient (F.R.E.E.) Service with a Smile), he said. 

He expects the new leadership at the hospital to implement a system to handle complaints, and conduct orientation and training for employees. 

The city government will implement the Health Management Information System that will simplify and speed up medical services. It will be implemented at the Ospital ng Muntinlupa that will connect medical records between health centers and the hospital. 

Karunungan (Knowledge)

“Sharing the belief of Congressman Jaime Fresnedi in the power of Education, this Administration, under its Karunungan Agenda, continues to significantly invest in education in order to ensure that our children grow up to become productive citizens. Every child deserves access to quality education which will open doors of opportunities and have a fair start in life,” said Biazon. 

Under Biazon, the number of beneficiaries of the Muntinlupa Scholarship Program increased from 5,581 in 2013 to 82,442 in 2022 under Fresnedi. Under Biazon, the beneficiaries increased to 109,349 in 2024 that include elementary, high school, college, and post-graduate students, student-athletes, and vocational and alternative learning students. 

The city government also increased the scholarship allowance by P1,000 annually for elementary and high school students. 

For college scholars from state universities and private colleges, the cash incentive for students with an average of 1.0 to 1.5 increased from P10,000 to P15,000 per semester. 

Public school students were also given free school supplies. 

Kabuhayan (Livelihood) 

Under livelihood, Biazon said, “In our pursuit of inclusive and sustainable local economic development, we have strengthened our collaboration with the private sector. To support this, we continue to develop policies that align with the needs of our industry partners focusing on local talent development, business attraction, and supply chain growth.”

He added, “Job creation in Muntinlupa is largely private sector-driven, with nearly 78% of our workforce employed by private firms. Additionally, with 58% of our land area designated as residential zones, household consumption accounts for approximately 60% of our local economy making it a key driver of growth.”

The city government increased the budget for its zero-interest loans to micro-entrepreneurs to P19 million this year. Since 2022, nearly 2,300 small businesses have benefited from the program. 

“Further, allow me to share more accomplishments of our programs under our KABUHAYAN AGENDA. Our Eco Grocer and City Hall Canteen have recorded 170,000 pesos and 300,000 pesos average monthly revenues respectively. Our Night Market in Alabang Central Market posed 7 million pesos monthly income. Correspondingly, 2,840 beneficiaries have benefitted from our Muntinlupa City Emergency Employment Program to which we budgeted more than 25 million pesos,” the mayor said. 

Kalikasan (Environment)

“While our City continues to grow and prosper, we cannot overlook the impact it has on our environment—such as climate change, which brings frequent severe weather events, flooding, intense heat, among other environmental challenges. These are important considerations that we must all be mindful of,” said Biazon. 

He said city government has improved the wastewater management system in the city. 

“Tinututukan natin ang solid waste management at ang mga lugar na madalas bahain, at tinutulungan ang bawat komunidad upang matutunan nilang maging handa sa mga posibleng kalamidad. Inaasahang mabubuo ang ating drainage master plan ngayong taon (“We are focusing on solid waste management and areas prone to flooding, and helping each community learn to be prepared for possible disasters. Our drainage master plan is expected to be completed this year),” he said. 

Katarungan (Justice)  

Under Biazon, the Kalingang Munti Action Center (KMAC) was established to speed up the process of the application for financial assistance. 

“We championed the cause against violence against women and children as well as sexual harassment through the establishment of dedicated assistance desks at the barangay level. Kasabay nito, pinalakas din natin ang community campaign sa pagpapatupad ng localized Bawal Bastos Law na tinawag nating ‘Respeto sa Bawat Muntinlupenyo’ Ordinance,” he said.

Biazon cited the SAGIP and Sentrong Aruga para sa Kababaihan for being recognized as Local Learning Hub for Gender and Development by the Philippine Commission on Women.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensure that marginalized sectors in society feel included. Empowered. Cared for,” he said. 

Kapayapaan at Kaayusan (Peace and Order) 

The city government launched the Command Center of the Muntinlupa police that will serve as the central hub for “smart and data-driven law enforcement operations.”

“Sa command center na ito, mayroong real-time monitoring, video surveillance, data analytics, at AI-powered tools na magpapalakas sa kakayahan nating tumugon nang mas mabilis at mas epektibo sa mga emergency at krisis (In this command center, there is real-time monitoring, video surveillance, data analytics, and AI-powered tools that will strengthen our ability to respond faster and more effectively to emergencies and crises),” Biazon explained. 

The city government provided the police with personal protective equipment, tactical ballistic shields and CCTVs. 

Last year, it gave 26 motorcycle units and 13 vehicles to different agencies including the police. 

Biazon said in Muntinlupa, index crimes decreased by 41 percent in 2024, and “over the last five years - we have registered an average of 10% reduction for the same indicator.”

Through the Department of Disaster Resilience and Management, the city government launched iRespond, a local emergency mobile application. The app has been downloaded 9,000 times. 

A total of 534 CCTV cameras were also deployed in various areas in Muntinlupa. 

“I understand that for the past two years, every March 1, I have stood here and spoken about the hard truths and the challenges our city faces. Hindi ito laging madaling pakinggan. I’ve heard people say, “What a downer,” or worry that some might only remember the bad parts. But leadership is about being honest, honest about our progress, and honest about where we can do better,” he said. 

Biazon added, “​Yes, we have made progress. Malayo na ang ating narating mula sa isang payak na munisipalidad patungo sa isang highly urbanized city. Pero ang paglalakbay na ito ay hindi naging madali.”

“Sa Muntinlupa, hindi natin hinahayaan ang problema na manatiling problema. Dahil hindi lang ito tungkol sa isang lider o isang grupo. Tayo ang Muntinlupa. Sa loob ng tatlong dekada, pinatunayan natin na walang imposible sa Muntinlupa. Kung kaya natin noon, mas kaya natin ito ngayon. Tuloy ang laban. Tuloy ang progreso. Maraming salamat, at mabuhay ang Muntinlupa! (In Muntinlupa, we do not let a problem remain a problem. Because this is not just about one leader or one group. We are Muntinlupa. For three decades, we have proven that nothing is impossible in Muntinlupa. If we could do it then, we can do it even better now. The fight continues. The progress continues. Thank you very much, and long live Muntinlupa!),” said Biazon.