ABBY BINAY
MAYOR, MAKATI CITY
Leading the highly urbanised city of Makati is no small feat. Mar-len Abigail, or Abby, Binay’s family has led the city for decades. The city’s second female mayor is the daughter of Jejomar Binay, the former vice president of the Philippines, and Dr Elenita Binay, who served from 1998 to 2001 as the first female mayor of Makati City, but that has not exempted her from prejudice in the male-dominated world of politics. She is seldom taken seriously and often dismissed as “less capable” because she is a woman. “[I am also] having difficulty finding mentors or sponsors,” she says. “However, I stood my ground and continued working until the results spoke for themselves.
“I had to start believing in myself and refusing to accept any negative stereotypes about my abilities based on my gender alone,” she continues. And she has the statistics to back her up; her administration is striving to make Makati— one of the wealthiest cities in the Philippines—an inclusive and vibrant city for everyone, focusing on stimulating its economy; improving public safety, healthcare and education; and investing in infrastructure that will support long-term progress. “We are working towards a digital, sustainable Makati, leveraging technology to improve our services and operations. We are also looking into reducing congestion and pollution in the city, creating more green spaces and promoting environmental sustainability,” she says. Binay adds that plans are in place to decongest the city and improve traffic: road widening projects, improvements to the public transportation system, and more walkways.
“My legacy projects are the intra-city subway and the smart bus system. We’re also opening a state-of-the-art hospital in District 1, which boasts modern facilities focusing on prevention, treatment and rehabilitation services,” Binay says, mentioning, in particular, the planned cancer and cardiac centres, as well as the physical rehabilitation medical centre that will use robotics to treat joint and soft tissue ailments. “These projects will have a lasting impact on the quality of life for Makati residents, and I am very proud to be leading the effort.”
Binay is particularly invested in projects that address the needs of fellow women and mothers; these include a solid maternity health programme from pre- to post-natal care, annual forums that discuss women’s rights, reproductive health, gender equality and leadership, and livelihood opportunities for marginalised women. “I strongly believe that it is the responsibility of our government to ensure that the rights of Filipino women are respected, protected, and fulfilled,” she says, encouraging everyone to strive to make an environment where no one is left behind due to their gender. “Ultimately, my dream is for women in the Philippines to have the freedom and means to truly live life on their terms and based on their principles.”
She is especially keen to prove to her daughter, Martina, and all the young girls of Makati, how strong and influential women can be. “Don’t be afraid to take chances—they are often the stepping stones to success. There is no force more powerful than the will of a determined woman.”
“There is no force more powerful than the will of a determined woman”