MAKATI Mayor Abigail Binay awarded plaques of appreciation and checks for P100,000 each to three centenarians, bringing the number of Makati centenarians to 45.
On December 20 the mayor visited Africa V. Reynoso of Barangay Forbes Park and Leng Gee S. Lee of Dasmariñas Village, who both turned 100 years old this year. They regaled Binay with their stories and were thrilled that the mayor came to see them at their homes.
Carolina Q. Domingo of Barangay Santa Cruz reached 103 years, but passed away in August. Binay handed the award and cash gift to her family.
“Reaching 100 years old is a great reason to celebrate. It will be wonderful to reach that age and be surrounded by your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I personally look forward to meeting our centenarians because I like hearing their stories—both of joy and hardships,” Binay said.
“Our centenarians are living pieces of history and it is only proper that we honor and appreciate them for their contributions,” she added.
The mayor was accompanied by Vice Mayor Monique Q. Lagdameo and Congressman Luis Campos during the home visits.
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 for 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. The requirements include: The awardee must be a Filipino citizen; they must be a bona fide resident of Makati; they must have reached 100 years old between January and December of the current year; and they must be a Blu Card and White Card holder for at least five years.
Earlier, 79,000 senior citizens who are Blu Card holders received their year-end cash gifts.
Blu Card holders received their year-end cash gift corresponding to their age categories as follows: Beneficiaries 60 to 69 years old received P1,500; 70 to 79 years old, P2,000; and 80 to 89 years old, P2,500.
For this year, the city allocated P326.2 million for the cash gift to seniors and centenarians. The cash gift is given in two equal installments every June and December.