Makati gov’t distributes P37.7-M gift checks to fully vaxxed seniors

Makati Mayor Abby Binay during the INQside Look interview. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Makati City government has handed out around P37-million worth of gift certificates for senior citizens who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Makati Mayor Abby Binay on Tuesday said that 37,743 senior citizens received a P1,000 gift check incentive, amounting to a total of P37,743,000.

“The P1K-gift check incentive was one of the strategic measures taken by my administration to encourage the elderly to have themselves vaccinated as early as possible. Our efforts have been rewarded because we have surpassed the target vaccination rate for their age group,” Binay said in a statement.

Binay stressed the importance of being fully inoculated as the holiday season approaches.

“Senior citizens are among the most at-risk groups for severe cases of COVID-19. It is comforting to know that they now have the full protection of the vaccine, and can enjoy the holidays with fewer worries,” the mayor said.

She likewise encouraged the elderly to get their booster doses to further protect them from COVID-19.

“We are already giving booster shots for Makatizens who wish to avail of it. It would be best if our senior citizens have their booster shots in time for the holidays,” said Binay.

Data from the Department of Health showed that Makati immunized 105 percent of its target senior citizens and 9,774 of them were administered with a booster shot.

Further, the local chief executive said that they ensured regular door-to-door delivery of free vitamins and maintenance medicines despite the health crisis.

The elderly were also prioritized in the city’s free flu and pneumonia vaccines.

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JPV