Mayor Abby Binay interacts with a child in Makati during a meeting with local residents. Recently, the city government launched the Makatizen App, which is now available for iOS users, to bring services and information closer to the people. (Contributed photo)
MANILA, Philippines–Makati Mayor Abby Binay on Wednesday announced that the Makatizen App, the first-of-its-kind digital citizen app in the country, is now available for iOS users, bringing services and information closer to the people.
The mayor said iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch users can now download the Makatizen App for free from Apple app store. Through the app, users will be able to access the latest news, updates, and information about events and projects of the city government through their mobile phones.
“These times demand connectivity, and we are fast-tracking our digital transformation through finding innovative ways to better serve and connect with our Makatizens. We encourage everyone to download the Makatizen App now and be in the know,” Mayor Abby said.
She noted that with the app now available in both Play Store and iOS App Store, the city government will be able to reach a wider audience and engage more with constituents and stakeholders.
“The Makatizen App was created to provide a more inclusive, engaging, rewarding, and convenient platform that will bring information and public services closer to Makati residents and other stakeholders of the city,” Mayor Abby said.
The Makatizen App was first launched during the 347th Founding Anniversary of Makati City on June 1, 2017, and was initially available for android phones via Play Store. It was the product of a groundbreaking public-private partnership (PPP) agreement between the city of Makati and Neo-Converge ICT Solutions, Inc.
Features of the Makatizen App include:
Maka-Update, which gives the latest information, advisories and announcements about the latest projects, events and services of the City Government;
Maka-Negosyo – provides important information about why and how to invest and start a business in Makati City;
How can we help – allows users to report traffic accidents, waste management issues, construction issues, stray animals, and other concerns in the community; and
Maka-SOS – users can use this to contact emergency hotlines in case of any emergency with just one click.
The Makatizen App will soon have more innovative and citizen-enabling features.
Other notable PPP-led initiatives of Makati spearheaded by Mayor Abby to bring about the full digital transformation of the city include the establishment of a 60-kilometer fiber optic network to strengthen internet connection and provide free internet access to residents, public school students, and the general public on designated periods daily. To date, the free wifi project has been completed in 13 barangays of the city, while the rest will be for completion by the end of the year.
Another smart initiative launched in 2017 is the Makatizen Card, a unified, multi-purpose government-issued citizen ID that consolidates all health and social benefits for over 600,000 residents and city hall employees. Through a PPP with G-Cash and i-Bayad, the Makatizen Card is also designed to be a financial card that becomes the holder’s key to a cashless ecosystem. /jpv