The Makati City government on Friday named the three new centenarian awardees for this year, bringing to 45 the number of centenarians given plaques of appreciation and checks worth P100,000.
Africa Reynoso of Barangay Forbes Park and Leng Gee Lee of Dasmariñas Village, who both turned 100 years old this year, were thrilled when Mayor Abigail Binay met up with them at their respective homes.
The other centenarian, Carolina Domingo of Barangay Sta. Cruz, reached 103 years but passed away in August. Mayor 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 Lagdameo and Makati City Rep. 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: 1) must be a Filipino citizen; 2) must be a bonafide resident of Makati; 3) must have reached 100 years old between January to December of the current year; 4) must be a Blu Card and White Card holder for at least five years.
Earlier, some 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 60-69 years old received P1,500; 70-79 years old, P2,000; and 80-89 years old, P2,500.
For this year, the city has 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.
