By Dhel Nazario Senior citizens will be given priority in the hiring of workers for the Makati Subway project, Makati Mayor Abby Binay said. “Our private sector partners in the Makati Subway project are amenable to hiring able-bodied senior citizens to fill up various posts that will be available once the subway starts its operations about five years from now,” Mayor Binay said. (My Makati / MANILA BULLETIN) The mayor said the partner-companies of the city have agreed to allocate jobs for Makati senior citizens who are still fit to work once the subway becomes operational in about five years. Around 10,000 jobs will be made available to Makati residents in the construction and operation of the subway. “Just as what Japan has done, we want to keep our elderly residents productive while providing them with a steady source of income for their essential needs,” the mayor added. Mayor Binay reiterated that Makati residents will be given priority in the hiring of workers from the construction phase up to full-blast operations of the intra-city subway system. She pointed out that the private sector had more leeway in hiring senior citizens than government units and agencies, which are constrained by the age limits set by Civil Service laws. Possible posts for the elderly at the subway include customer service representatives, ushers/porters, platform attendants, administrative assistants, utility workers, liaison officers, and surveillance/security aides, among others. Last December, Mayor Abby led the ceremonial drilling for the project at the City Hall grounds, and the unveiling of a scale model of the subway at the City Hall lobby. Other participants included former Vice President Jejomar Binay, representatives of the private consortium, and other city officials. Referring to it as a “very valuable legacy to the people of Makati”, the mayor expressed confidence that the Makati Subway will substantially improve the quality of life in the city for present and future generations, and fuel sustainable economic growth and inclusive progress. The Makati Subway, the first of its kind in the country, will be a joint venture between Makati City and a consortium of local and foreign investors, with no cash out on the part of the city. The 30-year concession with the consortium also includes maintenance and repair of the coaches and the control hub.