TWO new centenarians personally received from Makati Mayor Abigail Binay a P100,000 check each as cash gift and a plaque of recognition, as part of the city’s continued efforts to pay tribute to its elderly citizens.
“I will always be grateful for the chance to meet our centenarian Makatizens and be able to share some time with them. It is an honor to show them the city’s grateful appreciation for all their contributions to our progress,” Binay said as she expressed pleasure at being able to meet Makati’s two newest centenarians, Esperanza Jacinto of Barangay Bangkal and Eugenio Palileo of Barangay Magallanes, who are the 28th and 29th awardees during her term.
Jacinto was born on December 29, 1918. At the age of 17, she got married to the late Francisco Jacinto, a musician, and they had seven children. During her prime, Mrs. Jacinto owned and managed a sari-sari (variety) store and a small carinderia (eatery) which, through her hard work, flourished through the years. She has been a Blu Card member since August 7, 2002.
Palileo was born on December 14, 1918. He graduated from the University of the Philippines School of Engineering and landed fourth place in the board examination for engineers. He earned his law degree in 1953.
During World War II, Palileo served as a first lieutenant of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE). He was cited for bravery for saving the lives of his fellow soldiers and was nominated for a Silver Star. After the war, he worked at the Development Bank of the Philippines as chief engineer/appraiser. He worked there for 35 years, heading various divisions including Industrial Engineering and Administration.
Palileo has been a Blu Card member since February 13, 2003.
In January, a P100,000 check and a plaque of appreciation were also awarded to Braulio Sison of Barangay Dasmariñas, the 27th awardee under Binay’s term. He was born on December 8, 1918, and is the second child in a brood of six. He has been a Blu Card member since November 6, 2009.
City Ordinance 2012-099 entitles Makati senior citizens who are Blu Card holders to a one-time P100,000 cash gift upon reaching 100 years old. It serves as a tribute to their significant contributions and role in the history and development of the city.
The latest awardees were able to meet the criteria set by the Makati Social Welfare Department, the lead implementer of the Blu Card Program: They must be a Filipino citizen; a bonafide resident of Makati; must have reached 100 years old between January to December of the current year; and must be a Blu Card and White Card holder for at least five years.
To date, 54 Makati centenarians have been awarded the P100,000 cash gift since 2012 following the passage of City Ordinance 2012-099.