By Jel Santos
The local government unit (LGU) of Makati City will distribute P5, 000 each to around 500, 000 eligible residents of the city starting on May 15 through e-money transfer.
Mayor Abigail “Abby” Binay said a total of P2.7 billion has been allotted for the cash aid during a Facebook live session on Monday.
Makati Mayor Abby Binay (My Makati / MANILA BULLETIN)
She said eligible residents under the expanded Makati Economic Relief Program will get the financial assistance regardless of their economic status.
“The MAKA-tulong 5K for 500K+ Makatizens program, which will cost P2.7 billion, is intended to provide much-needed financial assistance to residents on an individual basis, not per household, as we begin to emerge from the prolonged lockdown,” she said.
Binay explained that a household where both parents are qualified will receive a total of P10,000. If the couple has a child who qualifies as a recipient, the total benefit will be P15,000. Meantime, if a grandparent who lives with them is eligible, their household will receive a total of P20,000 under the "MAKA-tulong" program.
According to the mayor, she approved the program as early as April 21, but decided to finish first the distribution of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) cash subsidy.
She said that she wants to ensure that all residents, whether SAP beneficiaries or not, will still have money to spend for their essential needs.
Binay noted that those who have been previously granted cash aid from the city, including senior citizens, persons with disability, informal workers, and solo parents, are still qualified to get the P5,000-financial assistance.
The LGU said that to qualify as a beneficiary of MAKA-tulong program, one must be at least 18 years old and a resident of Makati or of any of the relocation sites managed by the Makati LGU in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan and Calauan, Laguna.
Also, he or she must be registered either as a Makatizen Card holder, or as a Yellow Card holder under the Makati Health Program, or as a voter in Makati City.
Makati Cityofficials said details of the application process and documentary requirements will be released to the residents in the city’s official "My Makati" Facebook page.
"A step-by-step guide to applying for the benefit will also be accessible through the web portal: www.proudmakatizen.com."
For further inquiries, the LGU said residents may contact the city's hotlines at 8236-5795 or 8236-5796.