In this episode we speak with Abigail Binay, Mayor of Makati, Philippines. Since 1975, the City of Makati has been part of the National Capital Region comprising the greater Manila area, incorporated as the seventh city in Metro Manila in 1995. With a population of over 629,000 within an area of 21.57 square kilometers, Makati is one of the most densely inhabited urban environments on the planet, which gives rise to a range of governance considerations. Seeing an average temperature during summer months reaching 34 degrees Celsius with consistently high humidity, inhabitability is an imminent threat with wet bulb temperatures of 35 degrees becoming increasingly common. Additionally, subjected to the threat of the world’s most severe typhoons, the exposure to climate hazards is particularly pronounced for Makati.

To address climate threats and improve resilience for the residents of Makati, Mayor Binay’s office has initiated a range of interventions, including the declaration of a climate emergency, and the establishment of their CafeTalks climate outreach series. With an Investment and Incentive Code put in place to reorient private sector action, mobilized capital, primarily through public-private partnerships, has helped to bridge adaptation financing gaps for major projects, with adaptation finance incorporated into core administrative policies.

We also have joining us today some crucial team members from the City of Makati, Merlina Panganiban – Head of the Makati City Urban Development Department, Xenon Walde – Environmental Planner and Manager, Department of Environmental Services, and Liza Velle Ramos – Research & Planning Division Head, Makati City Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Office.

Providing a broader perspective on the value of municipal action, we’re also joined by Dr. Bernadia Tjandradewi, Secretary-General, UCLG-ASPAC. These guests join hosts Ben Jance and Cathy Oke, in the third episode of City Leaders, special episodes of the ClimateTalks Podcast produced by GCoM, a series of special episodes of the ClimateTalks Podcast series, to discuss Innovate4Cities and consider the potential for multilevel support for climate action.