Makati Mayor Abby Binay on breakthroughs and challenges

Tatler Asia's Most Influential 2022 honouree Abigail "Abby" Binay not only continues the legacy of her father but also turns into reality her own vision of Makati

Binay envisions Makati to be a dynamic smart city that heeds the needs of a fast-paced modern Philippines. To make this happen, she initiated a digital economy through cashless payments and connected Makati citizens via free Wi-Fi. In 2020, The fierce female mayor gained worldwide recognition for her efforts to make Makati the sole finalist from the country in that year’s World Smart Cities Award. Plans up ahead include projects to make Makati a green city powered by renewable energy, and retrofitted with efficient and sustainable transportation systems.

What are your projects in the last two years that you are most proud of? Why?

Abby Binay (AB): Our latest breakthrough project is the Makati Life Medical Center, a Public-Private Healthcare Partnership that created a 360-bed Level 2 hospital with multiple speciality centres. Even before it opened, Makati Life had already won the Healthcare Asia Awards.

We've also partnered with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to establish a smart public transport system which features electric buses. We are also working on installing solar panels in our public schools and government buildings to help reduce our carbon footprint.

I am proud of these projects because they are great examples of what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work together towards a common goal. Additionally, these innovations leave long-lasting and positive impacts on my beloved Makatizens. They will be enjoying the benefits of these projects long after I've stepped down from the office.

What challenges do you see now in your respective industry? How do you intend to help address these challenges?

AB: The continued global pandemic has resulted in many challenges for the city, most notably in our healthcare system and infrastructure. To help address these challenges, we have established the Makati Life Medical Center.

Climate change is a big threat and a formidable challenge that must be addressed with urgency. Makati is aggressively working on our climate action plans, such as installing solar panels in our public schools and government buildings, adapting electric vehicles, recycling materials, and continuous greening and clean-up of our city.

Above Abby Binay and husband, Luis Campos

What can you say to those who’d like to follow in your footsteps?

AB: It will not be easy. There will be pushbacks and resistance, especially from those resistant to change. But, if you're passionate about your vision and truly believe in what you're fighting for, then don't give up. Make your commitment to your constituents and the future of your city non-negotiable. Set firm deadlines and deliver on your promises.

Makatizens (Makati citizens) are not easy to please because they are used to a quality of service that is often unprecedented or unparalleled. So as their leader, I strive to always keep learning and evolving. I think in terms of "what's next and what else?" As they say, leadership is not a destination but a journey. There will always be room for improvement, so never let your notion of today's possible limit your vision of what can and should be in the future.

Leading the Makatizens is an honour that must be earned, through the consistent and dedicated commitment to uplift their lives from being good to becoming the best they can be.

Who do you look up to for guidance, inspiration or mentorship?

AB: My father, Jejomar Binay, was my first and biggest mentor. He taught me the importance of public service and always being there for our constituents. I am inspired by my fellow leaders in and out of the country who are working tirelessly to make a difference every day. I have joined international organizations like CityNet, the Global Covenant of Mayors, and other global platforms to learn from other leaders and to be able to share our best practices with them.

For inspiration, it's my husband Luis and my daughter Martina. Dinner table conversations are never dull when you listen to the exchanges, discourse and debates among the three of us. I have an out-of-the-box thinker of a husband and an equally opinionated daughter who speaks her mind. Almost always, there is something to be learned from what may appear to be casual conversations with them. Creative ideas, innovative solutions and good old conventional wisdom.

What are your plans for the coming years and what keeps you going?

AB: My short-term plans include laying the foundations of a green Makati through concrete climate action. In the long term, we will continue to take an active leadership role in the global race to resilience and sustainability.

In the next 5-10 years, I see Makati as a truly global city: a cosmopolitan hub that is attractive to investors and businesses and a livable city that is a safe, green, and inclusive city. I envision Makati as a city powered by renewable energy, with efficient and sustainable transportation systems, world-class infrastructure, and facilities.

Most importantly, I see Makati as a proud city where our Makatizens can live fulfilling lives and reach their fullest potential. I want my legacy to be one of positive change and transformation—not just for Makati but also for the Philippines. This is what keeps me going: the thought that my efforts today will make a difference not just for the present generation but also for future generations.

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