Air Binay 2.0: Abby’s free shoes a hit

NO SCRIMPING Makati Mayor Abby Binay takes pride in Air Binay 2.0, which the city government distributes for free to public school students. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

After the positive response it received last year, the government of Makati City again gave away free sneakers to its more than 90,000 public school students.

The shoes gained popularity when they were first distributed last year and students dubbed them “Air Binay” for their catchy design, which was similar to the Nike Air product line.

Other city governments — like that of Mandaluyong, Pasig, Malabon and Manila — followed Makati’s footsteps.

Mayor Abby Binay again distributed new shoes at Francisco Benitez Elementary School and four other schools on Wednesday. It again became a hit.

Quality

Binay explained that the rubber shoes, now called Air Binay 2.0, showed that the city government would not scrimp in providing quality supplies to students in the city.

“The design was changed many times because I want to feel proud when I and my daughter wear these ourselves,” she said.

“I also want you to feel proud that you’re wearing something given by the government of Makati,” Binay added.

The mayor said last year’s sneakers were white and electric blue in color but students complained that it was easily soiled, so Air Binay 2.0 was redesigned with a gray body with blue and white rubber soles.

Mother’s instinct

Binay said she knew, as a mother herself, that students needed a good pair of sturdy shoes for sports and physical activities in school, but the prices of good brands were prohibitive.

The city has allocated 49,824 pairs of Air Binay 2.0 for elementary students and 40,314 pairs for high school students.

The rubber shoes were among the items under the city’s Project FREE (or Free Relevant Excellent Education) which provided free supplies and uniforms to public school students.

Also in the program were raincoats, antidengue kits, and dental and hygiene kits.

The mayor said Makati City was happy to once again raise the bar when it came to delivering public service and giving its constituents benefits they deserved.

“My only problem now,” the mayor said, “is the design for the third edition.”