Makati sets more services for elderly

MANILA, Philippines—Senior citizens of Makati City can expect continuous pampering from the city government after it allocated P126 million for various programs and services for the elderly.

Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay said the welfare of the city’s elderly continues to be a priority of the city government, as its tribute to their significant contribution to the city’s development.

“Compared to what they have done for the city and for the country as a whole, these benefits are but small rewards. We cannot thank them enough for nurturing the youth to become upright and responsible citizens. Neither can we forget the services they rendered to the people as public servants or private workers during their prime,” Binay said.

Of the P125.7 million budget for senior citizen programs this year, the city has allotted P14 million for free movies, P9.4 million for free cakes on birthdays and golden wedding anniversaries, almost P1 million for “Lakbay Saya,” P96 million for the cash gifts under the BLU card, and P4.5 million for “Aawitan Kita” concert.

Makati is known for its many innovative programs for some 50,000 senior citizens. Among them are the free and unlimited privilege to watch movies in all cinemas in the city, which was pioneered by Makati in 2001; the “Harana kay Lolo at Lola,” the delivery of free birthday cakes and wedding anniversary cakes accompanied with a serenade; and the “Lakbay Saya ni Lolo at Lola,” which takes Makati’s elderly on fun tours.

The city government also provides holders of the BLU card an annual cash gift of P2,000, which is given in May and December each year. Also, beneficiaries of cardholders will receive P3,000 as financial assistance upon their death.

The balance of the allocation has been allotted for burial assistance, P4 million; Elderly Filipino Week celebration, P263,000; Chinese New Year celebration, P85,000; and programs and maintenance of SM Felicidad Sy Elderly Center, P160,000.