Makati City has been named among the top 10 safest cities in Southeast Asia, according to a survey conducted by Numbeo, an international online research group.
Based on Numbeo’s Safety Index 2019, Makati ranks as the fourth safest city in the region with a Safety Index rate of 59.48 points. The city’s improved regional ranking from fifth place last year has also made it the second safest city in the country to date.
Mayor Abby Binay attributed the city’s high safety index to the sustained efforts of the city government in partnership with the local police force to maintain peace and order, including increased police visibility made possible through additional mobile patrol vehicles provided by the city and other investments in disaster response and security.
The city has also consistently implemented programs to improve the quality of life of residents and transients, she said.
“We in the city government of Makati are heartened by the city’s upgraded stature among the safest cities in Southeast Asia, as shown by the latest report from Numbeo. It is a validation of our sincere commitment to the continuous improvement of quality of life in the city, through building safe and resilient communities where all citizens are empowered to attain their full potential,” Mayor Abby said.
The mayor also emphasized the importance of strong local government support for national government agencies in the protective sector to maintain peace and order and boost socio-economic progress.
“We regard national government agencies such as the Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire Protection as our indispensable partners in keeping Makati safe for residents, the business community and all other stakeholders,” she said.
“As the financial center of the Philippines, we put a premium on safety and security to remain as the premier investment destination where businesses can rapidly and continuously flourish,” Mayor Abby said.
Meanwhile, Numbeo’s Crime Index showed a low crime rate in Makati with 40.52 points. This is significantly lower than the crime rates in Manila and Quezon City with 64.82 and 61.19, respectively.
Numbeo, an online database of user-contributed data about cities and countries, provides information about living standards in countries around the globe. Its data is based on a survey involving netizens who have visited its website.
Apart from crime rates, Numbeo gives data on each city’s or country’s cost of living, property prices, health care, pollution, traffic, quality of life, and travel.
Also included in the Top 10 safest cities in Southeast Asia are Chiang Mai (Thailand) with a rating of 77.88; Davao (Philippines) with 72.50; Singapore (Singapore), 72.30; Hanoi (Vietnam), 59.48; Penang (Malaysia), 58.66; Bangkok (Thailand), 58.31; Iloilo (Philippines), 55.86; Bali (Indonesia), 51.40; and Cebu (Philippines), 50.34.
In 2018, the city government turned over 26 brand new patrol vehicles to the Makati Police Department in line with its thrust of maintaining high police visibility throughout the city. The city also provided a Mobile Command Vehicle and two rescue boats to the local police force to boost its disaster response capability.
This year, Makati has allocated a budget of P215.9 million for various programs in support of the Makati police, including P77.5 million for personnel equipment and supplies, P25.5 million for modern communication equipment, P6.5 million for capability-building activities, and P73.8 million for personnel incentives and benefits.
The city government has also beefed up the resources of the Makati Fire Department through providing modern equipment, including a mobile command vehicle, one chemical fire truck, and two rescue boats with fire pump, among others.
Mayor Abby was named Outstanding Local Chief Executive for 2018 by the National Capital Region Police Office and was also awarded with the Medalya ng Pambihirang Paglilingkod – Degree of Lakan Award by the Bureau of Fire Protection.
The city’s total budget allocation this year for its Protective Services Sector amounts to P2.59 billion. This includes P800 million for its Peace and Order and Public Safety (POPS) Plan, and P900 million for its Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund.