Makati seeks to become Philippines first smart city

MANILA, Philippines — The city of Makati is laying the groundwork to become the country’s first smart city by harnessing technology to maintain its competitive edge as the country’s undisputed financial center.

Makati is partnering with the private sector through various initiatives such as utilizing technology to improve public service and governance, Makati City Mayor Abigail “Abby” Binay said in a speech before the non-government Foundation for Economic Freedom.

“I believe technology is an indispensable tool for governance at all levels, as it is to management in the private sector. To ignore the infinite possibilities technology offers is to risk being outpaced by competitors. Worse, we could lose the chance to deliver the highest quality of service that our citizens and taxpayers deserve,” she said.

Under Binay’s leadership, Makati has embraced technology to become a digital city.

“Our ultimate goal: Make Makati the country’s first smart city. I envision a city where citizens and other stakeholders can reap optimum benefits from modern technology, including the ability to be self-reliant and resilient in times of disaster,” Binay said.

She said such ambitious goal requires huge capital that could eat a large chunk from resources devoted to social programs and services. Thus, Makati adopted the PPP or public private partnership approach as the linchpin to propel its infrastructure development program.

The city’s first PPP venture in information technology started in 2017 through an unsolicited proposal from Globe Telecom which offered to supply about 500,000 Makatizen Cards at no cost to the city.

The all-in-one ID or universal card system consolidates all health and social benefits for residents and city hall employees. It can also be used to pay bills, purchase items, draw salaries and stipends, and send or receive money, among others.