When Mayor Abby Binay first stepped into office, she knew that Makati had all the makings of greatness—a robust economy, a thriving business community, and a culture rooted in resilience. But for her, these were just the starting points. "Pwede na" or “good enough” would never be enough for a city like Makati. Her goal was clear: to make Makati better—not just for its businesses, but for every Makatizen.
At the core of Mayor Binay’s leadership is her belief that good governance is more than just policy; it’s about people. With initiatives that prioritize transparency, efficiency, and accessibility, the city has become a model for how local governments can serve their communities.
For instance, over 5.2 million online users have benefitted from digitized government services. Tools like the Makatizen Card have made life easier for residents and businesses alike, proving that innovation in governance doesn’t just streamline processes—it changes lives.
Education has been a cornerstone of Makati’s transformation. From smart classrooms to renewable energy in schools, Mayor Binay’s administration has reimagined learning spaces to prepare students for the future.
One proud mother, whose child attends Benigno Ninoy Aquino High School, shared how the school’s success in the 2022 PISA test gave her hope for her child’s future. “Nakakatuwa na kahit public school, global standard na ang education. Para sa amin, malaking bagay ito,” she said.
The revitalized Makati City Scholarship Program has also opened doors for thousands of students, producing graduates who have excelled globally. With a 90.91 percent bar passing rate in 2024, the University of Makati School of Law stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to excellence in higher education.
For the thousands of Makatizens who rely on the city’s health programs, Makati’s healthcare investments have been life-changing. One such resident, who receives free dialysis treatments through the Makati Health Plus (Yellow Card) program, said, “Sa totoo lang, hindi ko alam kung saan ako pupunta kung wala itong programa. Malaking ginhawa para sa amin.”
Since 2020, over 166,677 dialysis sessions and 9,000 chemotherapy treatments have been provided for free, ensuring that no resident has to choose between their health and their finances.
Beyond economic progress, Mayor Binay has championed sustainability and safety. Initiatives like the Urban Greening Program have planted over 5,500 trees, while renewable energy projects have reduced the city’s carbon footprint.
Meanwhile, advanced monitoring systems and proactive disaster response plans have made Makati one of the safest cities in the country. With a significant drop in crime cases—from 867 in 2016 to 295 in 2024—residents feel more secure in their homes and communities.
Underpinning all of Makati’s progress is a simple yet powerful belief: better is always possible. Mayor Binay’s leadership has shown that when governance focuses on people—on their needs, their dreams, and their futures—it can create lasting change.
As one elderly resident put it, “Hindi ko na ini-expect na mararamdaman ko pa ‘yung ganitong progreso sa edad ko. Pero sa Makati, parang lahat kami importante.”
Makati’s story is not just one of numbers or policies—it’s a story of lives improved, communities uplifted, and a future built on the belief that good enough will never be enough. Together, Makati is building better—for today, and for generations to come.