The Makati City government on Wednesday named the two new centenarian awardees for this year, bringing to 50 the number of centenarians in the city who were given plaques of appreciation and checks worth P100,000.
Mayor Abigail Binay shared a light moment with 100-year-old Mamerta A. Aquino when she visited her at her home in Barangay Cembo last Tuesday, where she handed over the P100,000-check traditionally awarded by the city government to centenarian residents.
The city chief executive also presented Aquino with a plaque of recognition and a bouquet of flowers.
“Our centenarians are living pieces of history and it is only proper that we honor and appreciate them for their contributions,” said Binay.
Born on May 11, 1918, Aquino also known as “Nanay Mameng,” spent her married life at home to attend to the needs of her family while her husband worked as a soldier in the Philippine Army.
Binay also visited the other centenarian, Mrs. Cipriana J. Caballero, a resident of Barangay Bel-Air, who was born on September 21, 1917.
The latest awardees were able to meet the criteria set by the Makati Social Welfare Department, the lead implementer of the Blu Card Program, as follows: 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; and 4) must be a Blu Card and White Card holder for at least five years.
To date, 50 Makati centenarians have been awarded the P100,000 cash gift since 2012 following the passage of City Ordinance No. 2012-099.
Mayor Binay was accompanied by Vice Mayor Monique Lagdameo 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.
“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,” Mayor Binay said.