Makati City, Philippines

Makati is within the National Capital Region, in the Republic of the Philippines.

People of Makati City

• As of the 2020 Census, Makati City had a population of 629,616.
• In 2015, the city recorded a population of 582,602, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 8.1% over five years.
• Makati was historically part of the Kingdom of Namayan and later the Spanish-era pueblo of San Pedro de Makati. Indigenous groups such as the Tagalog-speaking Namayan natives lived along the Pasig River and surrounding areas.
• The major dialect spoken today is Tagalog, with English widely used in education, government, and commerce. As in all Philippine cities, English is the official medium of instruction in schools, supporting national integration and global engagement.

Location of Makati City

• Makati City is located in the central part of Metro Manila, bordered by Manila to the north, Pasay to the west, Taguig to the southeast, and Mandaluyong to the east. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 14.5547°N latitude and 121.0244°E longitude.
• The city spans a land area of 21.57 square kilometers and comprises 33 barangays. The terrain is urban and moderately elevated, with a tropical climate marked by a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October.
• The Makati City Hall is located in Barangay Poblacion, along J.P. Rizal Street, near the Pasig River and Makati Heritage District.
• Most people reach Makati via land transport. It is served by major roads such as EDSA, Ayala Avenue, and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). The nearest airport is Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), approximately 8 kilometers south, while the Port of Manila is reachable within 30–45 minutes by road.

Tourist Attractions of Makati City

• Ayala Triangle Gardens: A green oasis in the heart of the business district, featuring landscaped gardens, restaurants, and seasonal light shows.
• Ayala Museum: A premier cultural institution showcasing Philippine history, art, and ethnography.
• Salcedo Saturday Market: A weekend food and artisan market popular among locals and tourists.
• Sts. Peter and Paul Church: A Spanish-era church in Barangay Poblacion, one of the oldest in Makati.
• Makati Day: Celebrated every June 1, this annual festival features parades, concerts, and civic activities commemorating the city’s founding and progress.

Economy of Makati City

• Makati’s economy is anchored in:
  • Finance and banking: Home to the Philippine Stock Exchange and headquarters of major banks and financial institutions.
  • Real estate and corporate services: Skyscrapers, office towers, and mixed-use developments dominate the skyline.
  • Retail and commerce: Malls such as Greenbelt, Glorietta, and Power Plant drive consumer activity.
  • Hospitality and tourism: Luxury hotels, restaurants, and cultural venues attract business travelers and tourists.
• Makati is classified as a 1st-class highly urbanized city. It consistently ranks among the top local economies in the Philippines, with an estimated GDP exceeding ₱500 billion, making it a key contributor to Metro Manila’s economic output.

Educational Institutions of Makati City

• Young residents pursue higher education at:
  • University of Makati (UMak): A city-run institution offering programs in business, public administration, engineering, and health sciences.
  • Asian Institute of Management (AIM): A globally recognized graduate school specializing in business and development management.
  • Centro Escolar University – Makati Campus: Offers programs in dentistry, pharmacy, business, and law.
  • Assumption College: A Catholic institution offering liberal arts, education, and communication programs.
  • TESDA-accredited centers: Provide vocational training in culinary arts, electronics, and other trades.

History of Makati City

• Makati’s origins trace back to the pre-colonial settlement of Namayan, a Tagalog-speaking kingdom along the Pasig River. The area was later colonized by the Spanish and became the pueblo of San Pedro de Makati in the 1600s.
• During the American period, Makati evolved into a residential and commercial district. The Ayala family played a pivotal role in urban development, transforming the area into a modern business hub by the mid-20th century.
• Makati was officially converted into a city on January 2, 1995 through Republic Act No. 7854. The law was signed by President Fidel V. Ramos and ratified through a plebiscite, marking a new era of governance and growth.
• Today, Makati is known as the “Financial Capital of the Philippines,” celebrated for its economic dynamism, cultural sophistication, and commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Elected Officials of Makati City

• As of the 2025 elections, Makati City is led by:
  • Mayor: Nancy Binay (UNA)
  • Vice Mayor: Romulo “Kid” Peña Jr. (NPC)
  • Representative – District 1: Michelle Dee (Independent)
  • Representative – District 2: Luis Campos Jr. (NPC)
  • City Councilors:
    • District I: Monsour del Rosario, Maria Paz Radaza, Jose “Joey” Villanueva, Liza Araneta, Carlo Mendoza, Angelica Cruz, Rafael Sison, Trina Garcia
    • District II: Mark Valencia, Patricia Sy, Ramon “Mon” Santos, Camille Tan, Enrico “Rico” Dela Cruz, Sofia Lim, Arnold Reyes, Bianca Gomez
• For full election results and updates, visit: Makati City Election Results.

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