The Makati City Council has passed an ordinance granting free tuition to senior citizens aged 70 and above who wish to pursue a college or master’s degree at the University of Makati (Umak).
Two other newly passed city ordinances have granted incentives to those aged 60 and above who will graduate from any public senior high school in the city, or from college or graduate school at Umak.
Mayor Abby Binay said the city government wanted to help the city’s elderly residents to fulfill their dream of getting their school diplomas.
“We were inspired by two senior Makatizens who graduated from our local senior high school and university this year. Through these new legislations, we aim to acknowledge their contributions to society and encourage them to pursue higher education,” Binay said.
The mayor hailed senior citizens who exemplify the belief that age is not a hindrance to education. “They are the pride of Makati and they serve as an inspiration to many, young and old. In turn, we will support them in achieving their dreams,” the mayor stressed.
Based on City Ordinance No. 2017-063 passed last May 10, Makati residents who are 70 years old and above and who desire to enroll in college or in graduate school, in any course of their choice, will be admitted as scholars and shall be exempted from paying tuition fee at the city-run Umak.
The University of Makati, together with the Makati Social Welfare Department, City Legal Department and City Budget, will be coming up with the implementing rules for the said ordinance.
On the other hand, City Ordinance No. 2017-061 and City Ordinance No. 2017-068 have granted incentives to residents who are 60 years old and above, regardless of their academic standing, upon graduating from any public senior high school in the city, and from college and graduate school at Umak, These were passed on May 10 and May 24, respectively.
To avail themselves of the benefits under the said ordinances, interested senior Makatizens must present a voter’s certificate stating that he or she is a registered voter in Makati, and a barangay certificate as proof of residence in the city.
Under City Ordinance No. 2017-063, however, enrollees must also comply with additional minimum requirements, including passing the entrance examination, certificate of good moral character, transcript of records, among others.
Last April 17, Armando Buhay Albes Sr., 78, of barangay West Rembo, finished his degree in A.B. Political Science major in Local Government Administration at Umak.
On April 4, 79-year-old Salvacion Flores Nacario, also residing at West Rembo, graduated from junior high at Fort Bonifacio High School.
At present, senior citizens in Makati receive cash gift from the city government under its BLU Card program, with those who are 60 to 69 years old receiving P3,000 annually; 70 to 79 years old, P4,000; and 80 years old and above, P5,000.
The city also awards them P100,000 upon reaching 100 years old as Makati centenarians. Other privileges they enjoy include free birthday cakes, unlimited free admission to Makati cinemas, free medicines, and free hospitalization at Ospital ng Makati.