Mayor Binay’s vision for his city of Makati

The City of Makati is part of Metropolitan Manila, but is unquestionably the financial and business center of the whole country. You cannot compare Escolta or Avenida Rizal to Makati’s commercial avenue. And now, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay has launched a plan he calls "Makati 21" that will make his city a special economic zone that will be able to stand up to such cities as Hong Kong and Singapore in attracting foreign investments.

There is no doubt that since liberation, Makati has been the most progressive city in Metro Manila. It all began when it became the prime residential district in the country. And so today, it is unquestionably the richest local government unit in the Philippines. But what makes Makati outstanding is not its wealth, but the way it uses its wealth to further strengthen and develop the city.

In 2003, there were 58,366 business establishments in Makati. By 2004, it had increased to 62,878 and the city generated a revenue of P6.636 billion in 2004. More than P1.6 billion of this was spent for six new public schools, three community complexes, an integrated "scene of the crime" facility for the local police and the newest medical facility and now operational Makati Acute Care Center.

Makati can be proud of all its government buildings starting with the 24-story Makati City Hall. They have 60 public school buildings and it is no exaggeration to say that they measure up to the standards of most private institutions. The University of Makati is organized in such a way that the students receive instructions not only in the classrooms, but exposed to training in companies of the private sector. The Makati Nursing School not only graduates nurses but through an agreement with a private organization secures jobs for their graduates here and abroad. Senior citizens in Makati really get special attention so much so that they are now referred to as "Señorito Citizens."

We hope that Mayor Binay realizes his vision of grooming Makati as a special economic zone. If Hong Kong and Singapore can attract foreign capital, we really believe that under Mayor Binay, Makati will be able to do the same.

This Monday, the City of Makati together with the National Commission for Culture and Arts and Filipino Heritage Festival, Inc. will have a Raul Sunico and UST Wind Orchestra Concert in St. Peter and Paul Church in Makati. Makati has certainly been buzzing with activities since Jejomar Binay took over as mayor.