Makati City Mayor Nancy Binay further strengthened the city's mandate of ensuring inclusivity among its residents, particularly its senior citizens, as she announced the approval of an ordinance institutionalizing Makati's most comprehensive package of benefits yet for its elderly residents.

In her statement on Tuesday, Nov. 4, Binay said she had recently inked City Ordinance No. 2025-A-023, dubbed as the "Makati Senior Citizens Assistance and Inclusion Program," that further improves the current benefits of senior citizens living in Makati.

Binay explained the ordinance, which was authored by councilors Joel Ariones, Marie Alethea Casal-Uy, Ferdinand Eusebio, Fernando Felix Imperial, Ma. Arlene Ortega, Levy Ramboyong, Kristina Sarosa, Bernadette Sese, Maribel Vitales, Nemesio Yabut, Jr., and Jerome Tristan Pangilinan solidify three major pillars of support: enhanced financial and food security, active inclusion and employment, and tax incentives for corporate support.

"The program institutionalizes the provision of a generous annual cash incentive of twelve thousand pesos (P12,000.00) for all qualified Blu Card and/or White Card holders, disbursed in two equal tranches per year. Currently, beneficiaries ages 60-69 receive P4,000; P5,000 for 70-79; P6,000 for 80-89; P11,000 for 90-99; and P12,000 for ages 101 and above," Binay said.

"To address rising food costs, the ordinance also mandates an annual rice subsidy of 10 kilos for every qualified senior citizen," she added.

Employment for capable seniors

The ordinance also gives willful senior citizens who are still capable of working proper employment through its Public Employment Service Office (PESO)-Makati by establishing a dedicated Senior Citizens Employment Desk. 

This desk will maintain a database of available senior workers and actively match them with suitable job opportunities in the private and public sectors.

To encourage city businesses to partner with the local government in this advocacy, the ordinance grants a tax deduction equivalent to 15 percent of the total salaries and wages paid to hired senior citizens. This deduction will be applied when computing the business tax, providing a strong incentive for private entities to champion senior employment.

Binay said the program is set to take effect on April 1 next year, following the promulgation of necessary implementing guidelines by the Makati Social Welfare Department (MSWD).

“Makati will always lead the way in showing respect for our elders. We are not just mitigating poverty; we are promoting an inclusive environment where our seniors are celebrated, employed, and remain integral, active members of our society,” she explained.

The city government urged all qualified senior citizens living in Makati to ensure their registration is updated with the MSWD and Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) to avail of these benefits once the program becomes fully operational.

"Our beloved seniors are the living treasures and foundation of Makati. They have dedicated their lives to building their families, communities, and this great city. This new program is not merely assistance; it is a concrete expression of our profound gratitude, ensuring they can live their remaining years with absolute security, health, and respect," the mayor stressed.