Makati lines up sports projects for 2005

Makati City’s big-time infrastructure projects lined up for 2005 is expected to transform the financial district into one of the Metro Manila’s prime destinations for local and foreign athletes.

Among those to be constructed in the city is a multi-million peso Olympic-size track oval inside the University of Makati compound.

Sports complexes and covered courts will also rise in a number of barangays to give residents the opportunity to engage in various sports activities.

The city government is likewise set to put up first-class swimming pools at the Makati Park and Garden to encourage people to take an interest in water sports.

Mayor Jejomar Binay said these projects will be prioritiezed this year by the city’s Department of Engineering and Public works (DEPW).

It has already started work on the renovation of public school buildings, community complexes, sports and health care facilities.

Parks, he noted, are being rehabilitated while other land development projects such as landscaping and beautifications are ongoing.

"We have always seen to it that the taxes paid by our constituents are given back to them in the form of improved basic services and more modern facilities that will promote their health and well-being," Binay said.

"We want to assure our people that we will continue to provide them with better social, educational, and health care programs and services through continuous infrastructure development," he added.

Binay said the construction of an Olympic-size oval track, sports complexes, basketball courts, and swimming pools will be undertaken alongside other infrastructure projects.

Various fire and police sub-stations and covered courts in Districts I and II are also slated to undergo repair and repainting.

Binay attributed the increased capability of the city government to carry out its planned projects for this year to its successful tax collection efforts that yielded a total of P6.630 billion in 2004.

In January alone, over P2 billion in taxes has been added to the city’s coffers, which gives Makati City the capability to spend more for its people.

"With our adept tax collection system, we have been able to generate more funds for the construction and upgrading of public facilities that will contribute to a more efficient delivery of quality services to our residents," Binay said.

Binay assured that the city government will continue to pursue the completion of other projects like streetlighting in District I that will cover a total length of 26.06 kilometers, and the implementation of the land improvement projects in-plan, which include concrete blocking and restoration, sidewalk clearing, de-clogging and hauling of waste materials.