Survey: Makati residents, business happier than ever with their city

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Thursday, 29 January 2009 02:29

SATISFACTION with the performance of the Makati city government in 2008 has increased among residents and members of the business community, based on the results of a survey conducted by the Philippine Survey and Research Center (PSRC) Research International. From 94 percent in the 2007 PSRC survey, the satisfaction rating among city residents in 2008 went up to 97 percent and came close to saturation level, with 57 percent saying they were “very satisfied” with the city’s services. On the other hand, the satisfaction level among the business sector increased to 94 percent, from 89 percent in 2007. The survey results showed that the main drivers of satisfaction among residents were the city’s programs and services on health, education and senior citizens’ welfare.  For the business sector, peace and order and processing of permits, licenses and tax payments were the key drivers of satisfaction. “We are truly inspired by the improved satisfaction levels among our constituents and investors. Evidently, our aggressive efforts and substantial investments in the past year to further improve our programs and services have been worthwhile,”Binay said. Binay said the city’s vibrant and well-managed economy has enabled the city government to implement social programs that have made Makati the place of choice to live, work and play in, to raise children, enjoy one’s senior years, and run a business. “We owe our success largely to our dynamic and productive partnership with the city’s stakeholders, including the city’s entrepreneurs,” Binay said. The survey was commissioned by the city government as part of its regular program to measure satisfaction with the city government services among residents and businessmen. For the business sector, the key drivers of overall satisfaction last year was peace and order, 57.85 percent; securing of permits and licenses and payment of taxes, 40.25 percent; and environment, 1.89 percent. In 2007 environmental programs topped the list at 44 percent, followed by securing of permits and licenses and payment of taxes, 41 percent, and employment programs, 19 percent. Compared with the 2007 survey, health services remained the main drivers of satisfaction among residents last year, with marked increase in satisfaction on free medical services in barangay health centers and lying-in clinics (31 percent vs. 71 percent) and subsidized hospitalization at the Ospital ng Makati through Yellow Card (14 percent vs. 44 percent). Likewise, free school supplies and services earned a satisfaction rating of 54 percent, from 34 percent in 2007. Residents also found the city’s programs and services much more relevant last year than in 2007, with 98 percent saying they address a need, as compared with 89 percent in the previous survey