Junjun says Makati remains a model of governance

MANILA, Philippines - Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr. believes Makati has remained a model of governance despite the political attacks against him and his family.

“Yet, 2014 has become one of the most rewarding periods of my term as mayor of Makati. In fact, in the middle of all the mudslinging motivated by both the vengeance of incapable opponents and what substitutes for the political strategy of other parties, the city leadership has refused to be sidetracked and has kept its vow to its constituents to focus on the task of improving their lives,” he said.

Binay said the significant achievements of the city speak louder than words, including political sticks and stones.

“Whatever they say, Makati City has risen from an almost bankrupt municipality after EDSA to a model of governance recognized by many independent and reputable institutions,” he said.

Binay said political persecution and malicious attacks have failed to cloud Makati’s brilliance in local governance.

“The recognition we have earned from independent, objective and reputable institutions mean much more to us than all the mud thrown our way, and carry much more weight and credence than all the allegations made by our political opponents put together,” he said.

Binay said the city government launched in August its first 24/7 primary health care facility in Barangay Palanan Health Center. “Its primary aim is to free working parents from worry while working, since they will be able to consult or bring in their patients after regular work hours,” he said.

To date, the facility has served over 5,000 patients. It will be used as template in establishing another one in the second district.

Around 300,000 beneficiaries of the famous Yellow Card program of Makati continue to enjoy free and highly subsidized medical services at the Ospital ng Makati. Patients have undergone some 8,642 dialysis sessions in the dialysis unit since opened in July.

They also have had free access to 15-day monthly supply of maintenance drugs through the free medicine program, aside from antibiotics and other prescribed medication.

In 2014, Makati was named as the country’s “Most Competitive City” among 136 cities and 163 municipalities in the latest competitiveness index that measured economic dynamism, government efficiency and infrastructure.