Makati gives cash gifts to 1,241 senior residents

MANILA, Philippines - The Makati City government has started releasing the second tranche of its mid-year cash gift to 1,241 senior residents who were registered with its BLU Card program from April 16 to June 30, 2013.

In a report to Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay, the Makati Social Welfare Department (MSWD) stated that the Cash Division (now located at the 3rd floor of the new Makati City Hall ) has been tasked to distribute around P1.3 million allocated for the second batch of recipients coming from the city’s 33 barangays from August 2 until August 8, Thursday.

The MSWD in partnership with the Makati Office of Senior Citizens Affairs will also be hosting the traditional party dubbed “Welcome to the Tribe” for around 250 new senior citizens.

Mayor Binay will be present to welcome the new ‘senioritas’ and ‘senioritos’ of Makati to personally hand them their BLU Card that entitles them to cash gift ranging from P2,000 to P4,000 a year. BLU Card members are also exempted from the city’s number coding transport scheme, and their beneficiaries are entitled to P3,000 burial assistance upon their demise.

Last year, the Makati City Council approved City Ordinance No. 2012-017 that increased the cash gift received by elderly residents aged 70 to 79 years from 2,000 per year to P3,000, and for those aged 80 and above, from P3,000 per year to P4,000. Meanwhile, those aged 60 to 69 years will continue to receive P2,000.
The cash gift for all age groups is given in two equal instalments every June and December.

Makati’s BLU Card holders are also entitled to unlimited free entrance to premier cinemas in the city, free tours in Metro Manila and other parts of the country through the “Lakbay Saya”, monthly free viewing of “Aawitan Kita” concert at the University of Makati theatre, free reading glasses and mobility aids like canes and wheelchairs, free salon and spa services, and free birthday cakes and golden wedding anniversary cakes. They also receive free medical and hospitalization services through the Makati Health Plus program or Yellow Card.

In claiming the cash gift, beneficiaries who are unable to come in person can send their duly authorized representative whose name appears at the back of the BLU Card to the Cash Division at the 3rd floor of Makati City Hall. The representative should be able to present a medical certificate as proof of the beneficiaries’ condition, whether bedridden, disabled or confined in a hospital.

Authorization forms are available at the MSWD office at fifth floor of Makati City Hall.

According to the Makati City government, senior residents who were out-of-town or werevabroad during the distribution of the cash gifts are not entitled to claim the said benefit, and authorization presented by a representative will not be honored by the Cash Division.