The Makati City government has started the distribution of the newest version of “Air Binay”, a rubber shoes brand provided for free to the city’s public school children.
Air Binay shoes have been gaining popularity and went viral on social media when it was launched in 2018.
Mayor Abigail Binay led local officials in visiting Rizal Elementary School, the Makati Elementary School, the Benigno Ninoy Aquino High School, and the Makati High School where a total of 78,023 pairs of “AB 5.0” rubber shoes were given away to the students.
The fifth version of the Air Binay shoes differed in color and style compared to the earlier four versions.
“We designed the rubber shoes to be very stylish and trendy, so our students can wear them proudly. This latest and improved version of the free rubber shoes is given to students in all public schools in Makati, from elementary to senior high school,” Binay said.
She noted that a number of local government units have “tried to replicate the school gear being provided to Proud Makatizen students.”
However, none of the copy cats was able to match the superior quality and design of Air Binay shoes, she said.
Apart from the rubber shoes, the Makati students also received reusable water tumblers comparable to those being sold in the market.
“This is the second version of the reusable water bottles that we give students to ensure that they are hydrated during class and PE time, and to help them avoid buying plastic water bottles. This is in line with our goal to reduce plastic waste in the city,” the mayor added.
Meanwhile 29,657 junior high school students are set to receive the newest design of free jackets to protect them during the rainy season. The jacket, which has a lighter color than the previous design, matches the design of the rubber shoes.
A total of 8,910 senior high school students, on the other hand, will receive their new school bags. The knapsack-styled bags are made of high-quality, durable and water-repellent materials.
Mayor Binay said these supplies are under the City’s Project FREE (Free Relevant Excellent Education), which provides Makati public school students, from preschool to senior high, with free school supplies and ready-to-wear school uniforms.
Binay had expanded the city’s Project FREE to include leather and rubber shoes, tumblers, socks, rain gear, dengue and hygiene kits, jackets, and Japan-inspired school bags and uniforms.