On Makati’s 355th Founding Anniversary, we pause to honor the nine years that changed everything. Nine years when vision became reality, when promises became progress, when a city didn’t just grow—it transformed. Under the steadfast leadership of Mayor Abby Binay, Makati didn’t merely evolve; it pioneered a new standard of what urban governance could achieve.
The Rise of the Makatizen
Under Mayor Abby’s governance, citizens didn’t just become “Makatizens”—they became partners in a digital transformation that revolutionized how government serves its people. This evolution meant embracing paperless transactions, transparent service delivery, and strategic private sector partnerships that elevated the quality of life through top-notch services and hassle-free government interactions.
The Makatizen Card, launched eight years ago through a GCash partnership, now serves 80% of the population as both a debit and social card, unifying various social services and benefits into one government-issued citizen identification. This pioneering digital innovation set the foundation for even greater breakthroughs.
Building on this success, the city partnered with Neo-Converge ICT Solutions to establish free public WiFi alongside the Makatizen App—the Philippines’ first digital citizen application. These interconnected systems now serve over 5.2 million online users, putting essential government services, including emergency response, literally at citizens’ fingertips.
The innovation extended beyond digital platforms. In 2021, Mayor Abby partnered with SM Supermalls to open the first Makatizen Hub at SM Makati, creating a satellite office that continues serving thousands of clients and taxpayers with unprecedented convenience while decongesting City Hall and bringing essential services closer to the people.
Seven Consecutive Unmodified COA Opinions
These dynamic public-private partnerships exemplify the transformative power of collaborative governance, delivering not just better services but greater fiscal transparency and more secure digital information management. Complemented by strict adherence to government standards, these innovations have earned seven consecutive unmodified audit opinions from the Commission on Audit and recently secured the Seal of eBOSS Compliance from the Anti-Red Tape Authority for Makati’s fully automated Electronic Business One-Stop Shop.
Sustained Financial Growth
Makati’s financial strength speaks volumes: revenue grew from ₱16 billion in 2016 to ₱24.15 billion in 2024, even weathering the pandemic. As of April 2025, collections reached ₱14.24 billion—82% of the ₱17.44-billion annual target.
The Department of Finance Bureau of Local Government Finance recognized Makati as the top Philippine city for fiscal autonomy through local revenues and highest per capita spending in 2022-2023. This stable foundation, built on unwavering business sector trust, enabled Mayor Abby to pass landmark legislation lowering real property tax rates across all land classes effective January 1, 2025—providing residents relief while boosting competitiveness for corporations, startups, and small entrepreneurs alike.
Innovative Healthcare
Mayor Abby’s healthcare revolution centers on the Makati Life Medical Center—the country’s largest healthcare PPP with Life Nurture Incorporated. Recently named “Integrated Healthcare Provider of the Year” at the Healthcare Asia Awards 2025, MLMC provides a scalable national blueprint while giving Yellow Card holders free access to state-of-the-art facilities, including the Philippines’ first digital AI PET/CT scanner, and top-tier medical care.
Ospital ng Makati maintains its ISO 9001:2015 certification (renewed continuously since 2019), while Mayor Abby expanded free services to include unlimited dialysis at OsMak and accredited centers, chemotherapy treatment, maintenance medicines, and comprehensive vaccinations for vulnerable populations, covering flu, pneumonia, Japanese encephalitis, and shingles for senior citizens.
Smart Investments in Education
Makati’s educational innovations have set new national standards. Mayor Abby’s comprehensive programs—smart classrooms, complete school supplies, nutritious meals, Pre-Kindergarten initiatives, and the Library Book Mobile —ensure every child has the tools to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
These significant investments and innovations have proved worthwhile, resulting in the excellent performance of Makati public school students in evaluation tests conducted by the Department of Education.
In the latest National Achievement Test for Grade 6 students, Makati public schools topped the regional and national average scores across all assessment areas and key subjects, even besting private schools. Makati’s Grade 3 students also surpassed the regional and national average ratings in the Early Language, Literacy and Numeracy Assessment.
The University of Makati reinforces this excellence, ranking 209th globally in the World University Rankings for Innovation while consistently exceeding national averages in licensure examinations. The UMak School of Law now stands among the country’s top-performing institutions.
Recently, Makati acquired six new school buses that will provide free transportation to students when classes open this June. The initiative aims to promote students’ safety and improve attendance while easing the financial burden of families with limited income.
Leading the Way to a Sustainable Future
In line with Mayor Abby’s long-term vision of balancing economic growth and environmental health, the city enacted ordinances promoting renewable energy systems and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the city. These include the Makati Local Energy Code, GHG Reduction Code, and the Solar Energy Systems Ordinance which grants tax exemption for accessory solar energy systems and simpler permit requirements.
The city has started community-based climate initiatives such as the installation of solar energy systems, water harvesting facilities, and urban farming and greening. It has also invested in procuring smart devices like smart meters and environmental sensors using LoRaWAN technology, with the Makati DRRM Operations Center serving as an internet-of-things (IoT) platform for asset management and disaster response.
The continuous flow of data from IoT sensors has enabled the city to develop evidence-based policies and make smart decisions that effectively address urban challenges and promote a more sustainable and liveable city.
Mayor Abby’s Gift to Makatizens
Nine years of good governance marked by transparency, efficiency, service, and innovation have succeeded in transforming lives in the country’s financial center.
The numbers tell our story. Poverty at 0.6%—the lowest in Makati’s history and among major cities nationwide. Human Development Index at 0.903, measured against UN Development Program standards ranging from zero to one. But behind these statistics are real families who found hope, students who discovered their potential, and dreams that finally took flight.
From climate action programs that protect our children’s future to educational initiatives that unlock human potential, from financial stability to public-private partnerships that bring security to healthcare improvements and technological innovations that make life better, Makati has proven that comprehensive development works when people remain at the center of every decision.
As Mayor Abby Binay relinquishes her duties and responsibilities as Makati’s leader, she leaves more than a stronger, more resilient Makati. She leaves a legacy for every Makatizen who dared to dream bigger, for every family who found their place to belong, for a city that will keep getting better as time rolls on.
ADVT.
This article is brought to you by City of Makati.