More than 50,000 senior citizens in Makati City continue to enjoy premium benefits such as free movie passes, discounts, and cash incentives, courtesy of the city government through its Blu Card program, Makati City Mayor Abby Binay said on Tuesday, Nov. 12.
Binay made the statement following the relaunch of the Free Movie program for seniors and persons with disabilities (PWD) led by her husband, Makati 2nd District Rep. Luis Campos, and Makati City 1st District Rep. Kid Peña.
“Seeing and knowing that they are happily enjoying their retirement years double my happiness. It has always been one of our goals to ensure that they are not only happy, but also healthy and cared for. I want them to experience a worry-free and comfortable life as they go through their twilight years,” Binay said.
As of September 18, over 38,000 Blu Card holders have received their mid-year cash incentives through their updated GCash account, which amounted to P71,825,000. Blu Card holders must update their GCash account to be able to receive their cash incentives.
Under the Blu Card program, registered senior citizens receive their cash incentives twice a year - in June and in December.
For the mid-year, seniors 60-69 years old receive P1,500; 70-79 years old, P2,000; 80-89 years old, P2,500; and 90-99 years old, P5,000. Centenarians aged 101 and above also receive P5,000 as mid-year cash incentive provided that they have been a Blu Card holder for at least five years. If not, the beneficiary only receives P2,500 mid-year cash incentive.
Since 2022, the cash incentives have been directly sent to the GCash accounts of the recipients to ensure safe, convenient, and fast delivery of their mid-year gift.
A total of 121 Makati centenarians have also been awarded with P100,000 cash gift since 2012.
The mayor added that a total of 22,100 birthday cakes have also been delivered to seniors who have celebrated their birthdays this year. Some 3,256 beneficiaries have also availed free salon and spa services like haircut, nail care, and chair massage.
To keep them physically active, the city government has also launched the Lakbay Saya ng mga Senior Makatizens program being conducted twice a year.
This allows able-bodied senior citizens the privilege to travel to popular spots and historical sites not only within Metro Manila, but also in other parts of the country, all for free. A total of 105 seniors participated in the first batch of Lakbay Saya conducted last May 16 and 17, 2024.
Assistive devices were also provided to the elderly, such as ordinary wheelchairs (64); reclining wheelchairs (56); walkers (4); canes (17); and quad canes (13).
Burial assistance was also given to the respective families of 682 seniors who have passed on.
Makati now has 52,390 active Blu Card holders as of November of this year, the city government said.