MAKATI CITY — In her first year as mayor, Binay has centered her administration on one essential mission: making sure the city’s programs truly reach the people they were designed to serve. As Makati marks its 356th founding anniversary, the impact of these efforts is becoming increasingly visible. Since July 2025, the city has released 42,701 new Yellow Cards and 4,362 Blu Cards, restoring access to healthcare services for residents who previously struggled with complicated systems. Makati was the first local government unit to provide free comprehensive healthcare through the Yellow Card program, and the city continues to uphold that benchmark today.
Expanded Support for Seniors, Solo Parents, and Students
The city has also strengthened its assistance programs for vulnerable sectors. A total of 7,533 senior citizens have received their cash incentives through house-to-house delivery, while 11 centenarians have been formally recognized and awarded. Meanwhile, 36,590 senior citizens have received birthday cakes delivered directly to their homes. In Barangay Poblacion, the reactivated Day Center for Senior Citizens now offers free daily haircuts, massage treatments, and grooming services, while the Mobile Salon Program continues to reach residents across all 23 barangays.
Under the Makati Solo Parents Empowerment Program, qualified solo parents are provided with annual cash assistance worth PHP10,000, alongside a monthly PHP1,000 subsidy for those earning minimum wage or below. Solo parents earning less than ₱250,000 annually are also entitled to a 10 percent discount and VAT exemption on baby milk, medicines, and vaccines for children aged six years old and below.
Beginning June 2026, all public school students from Day Care to Senior High School, including SPED learners, will receive both cash and rice incentives. Day Care to Elementary students will receive PHP3,500, while Junior and Senior High School students will receive PHP7,000 distributed in two tranches. Every student will also receive five kilograms of rice monthly. Through Project FREE, students are provided with sneakers, uniforms, and school supplies, while Project FEED delivers free nutritious snacks.
A City That Leads by Example
Makati has likewise reinforced its reputation as one of the country’s safest cities through expanded police mobility and upgraded surveillance systems that have significantly reduced emergency response times. Business tax collection increased by 10 percent compared to April 2025, while a 15 percent across-the-board reduction in land taxes has helped ease the burden on residents without compromising essential public services. The upgraded Business One-Stop Shop and the relocated One-Stop Shop for Construction Permits are now fully compliant with Ease of Doing Business (EODB) and Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) standards, streamlining transactions and minimizing bureaucracy.
In March, Makati also became the first LGU in the Philippines to champion a full transition to renewable energy after signing a nine-year agreement with ACEN Corporation. Eligible city facilities, including City Hall, Ospital ng Makati, and the University of Makati, are set to operate using solar, wind, and geothermal energy. The city will also install 19 EV charging stations as part of the initiative. Over the duration of the contract, Makati expects to save approximately PHP299 million while preventing around 289,885 metric tons of carbon emissions.
Several local government units across the country have since adopted versions of Makati’s programs, reinforcing the city’s role as a model for progressive governance. At 356 years old, Makati continues to evolve as a dynamic and forward-looking city, shaped by generations of dedication and guided by a leadership that believes the true measure of greatness lies in reaching the people who need help the most.
