10,447 fully vaccinated Makati seniors get gift checks

MANILA, Philippines — More than 10,000 elderly residents of Makati have claimed gift certificates from the city government as their reward for receiving two doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

The city government said in a statement yesterday it has dispensed P1,000 worth of gift certificates for grocery items to 10,447 senior citizens since the program started on July 1.

Those who could not personally receive their gift checks may send their representatives, who should bring an authorization letter and original and duplicate copies of their vaccination card as well as Blu and White cards.

The city government said fully vaccinated seniors may claim their gift certificates at Glorietta 2 and Ayala Malls Circuit.

Mayor Abby Binay earlier said the city government would find all senior citizens in Makati to convince them to be vaccinated.

Along with the distribution of their mid-year bonus, the city government would conduct a survey among senior citizens on why they avoid COVID-19 vaccination.

“We have to find and persuade them to get vaccinated because when the Delta variant comes they will be the most vulnerable,” she said in Filipino.

As of July 7, the city government has given first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine – all donated by the national government – to around 140,000 out of the 500,000 city residents and employees, Binay said.