CALOOCAN CITY, Oct. 5 (PIA) -- Makati is the only city in the Philippines to have landed among the top three in this year's World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization (WeGO) Awards for promoting the use of technology in its various initiatives in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mayor Abby Binay said the city competed under the Efficient Government category and won the bronze award after Goyang City, South Korea (gold) and Moscow, Russia (silver).

"Makati has always been proud of its vision to become a smart and digital city. It was an honor to represent our country and showcase our achievements in digital innovation and social services in an international event," Mayor Abby said.

Makati was supposed to host the WeGO General Assembly this year, but it was canceled due to the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic, she added.

The other categories were emerging technology, mobility, open and inclusive city, safe city, and sustainable city.

Established in 2011, the triennial competition recognizes and promotes smart initiatives that improve the quality of life of citizens.

Makati will be awarded during the WeGO Virtual Executive Committee Meeting on November 17.

Last year, the city was also the country's sole finalist at the World Smart Cities Awards.

Last May 29, Mayor Abby presented the city's COVID-19 initiatives at the WeGO Smart Health Responder Webinar. She highlighted the use of the Makatizen Card and the Makatizen App for the automated distribution of financial assistance to 500,000 Makatizens.

To recall, Makati is one of over 200 member-cities of WeGO around the world committed to the transformation of cities into smart sustainable cities. WeGO serves as their international platform to improve the quality of life, innovate in the delivery of public services, and strengthen regional competitiveness. (PIA NCR)