Makati Mayor Abby Binay highlights poverty reduction, high HDI in final address

Makati Mayor Abby Binay said the city’s investments in health, education, and social programs have led to poverty reduction and a better quality of life for residents.

“Makati’s poverty rate is at a historic low of 0.6 percent and we have achieved a Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.903 — one of the highest in the country,” Binay said.

In her final State of the City Address on Tuesday at The Peninsula Manila’s Rigodon Ballroom, Binay emphasized the strategies that have fueled Makati’s success under her leadership.

“These results prove that when we invest in people, we uplift entire communities. Makati’s success demonstrates that governance is not just about managing resources—it’s about transforming lives,” she said.

Health care has been a central focus of Makati’s social programs, Binay said. The city’s Makati Health Plus (Yellow Card) program provides free maintenance medicines, and its dialysis and chemotherapy programs have offered life-saving treatments to thousands since 2020. These initiatives have helped reduce financial burdens and improve health outcomes, she added.

“Access to quality health care is a right, not a privilege,” she said. “When we remove barriers to essential services, we empower people to live healthier, more productive lives.”

Binay also spotlighted education, which has modernized Makati’s public schools with smart classrooms, renewable energy, and programs like the Library Book Mobile. The city’s Benigno Aquino High School exceeded international proficiency standards in the 2022 PISA assessment, and the University of Makati’s revitalized scholarship program has produced graduates excelling locally and globally.

“Sustainable growth begins with education. When we prepare our children for the future, we build a stronger, more resilient community,” she said.

The mayor also highlighted the city’s tech initiatives, such as the deployment of indoor and outdoor air quality sensors in all barangays, enabling real-time environmental monitoring.

“‘Hindi pwede ang pwede na’ is more than a mantra—it’s a commitment. Our city has shown that we can achieve the extraordinary with vision, innovation, and compassion,” Binay said.

As her term concludes in June 2025, Binay reflected on Makati’s legacy and its potential as a model for the nation. She announced her candidacy for Senator in the May 2025 elections and expressed her goal of implementing Makati’s successful programs nationwide.

“With the right priorities and partnerships, the progress we’ve achieved in Makati can uplift communities across the Philippines,” she said.