Over P1B cash aid released to Makati residents

MANILA, Philippines — More than P1 billion in financial assistance have been released to residents of Makati City under its economic relief program, Mayor Abby Binay said Sunday.

According to Binay, a total of P1,035,810,000 have been electronically transferred to 207,162 qualified residents of the city.

Under the P2.7-billion Makatizen Economic Relief Program (MERP), P5,000 is granted to each qualified individual.

Those who are at least 18 years old and a resident of Makati or any of the relocation sites managed by the city government of Makati in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan and Calauan, Laguna are qualified to receive the cash aid under the program.

Residents must also be registered either as a Makatizen Cardholder, a Yellow Cardholder under the Makati Health Program, or a voter in Makati City to qualify for the program.

Some of the residents who received the cash aid have used the money to start their own business or pay their utility bills, said Binay.