THE Makati City government has allotted P9.19 billion for the city’s social development sector, which is almost half of the P19.70-billion budget for this year.
Mayor Abigail Binay stated that city residents can expect improved benefits and programs this year, as the city expects significant savings following the transfer of 10 EMBO (Enlisted Men’s Barrio) barangays to Taguig City.
“Despite a reduction of P700 million in the National Tax Allotment due to the transfer of the 10 barangays to Taguig, I want to assure Makatizens that our commitment to social services remains unwavering. We are fortunate to have a stable and flourishing economy, and we recognize the importance of utilizing our resources wisely to enhance the overall well-being of residents and foster a more inclusive and equitable society,” she said.
Mayor Binay emphasized the city’s dedication to transparent and accountable use of public funds, reassuring residents that every peso will be maximized for the benefit of residents.
This year, the local government will add the anti-shingles vaccine to its list of covered vaccinations, aiming to enhance the overall health and well-being of residents aged 19 and above.
The vaccine’s cost ranges from P8,000 to P10,000, but it will be provided at no cost to Yellow Card holders.
Based on the approved 2024 budget, Health received the largest share among the social development sub-sectors, with P4,136,000,000 (45 percent), followed by Education with P3,253,038,000 (35 percent), and Social Welfare, P1,810,718,000 (20 percent). For this year, Binay said the city has earmarked P2.36 billion for the Ospital ng Makati (OsMak), P1.71 billion for the Makati Health Department (MHD), and P54.38 million for the Veterinary Services Department.
Health programs covered by this year’s budget include the MHD’s Primary Health Care Management (P1.04 billion) and OsMak’s Patient’s Care Program (P1.29 billion).
In Makati, Yellow Card holders can avail themselves of free outpatient consultation, subsidized hospitalization, and diagnostic tests at OsMak and Makati Life Medical Center, primary health care needs in barangay health centers, free dental services, free dialysis, prenatal checkups, Baby Makatizen bags, newborn screening and hearing tests, vaccines, and medicines, including maintenance medications for hypertension, diabetes, and other lifestyle diseases.
Mayor Binay said under the education sub-sector, the city has allocated P1.89 billion for the Department of Education-Makati, P1.02 billion for the University of Makati, P274.06 million for the
Education Department, and P55.98 million for the Museum and Cultural Affairs Office. She said programs for this year include the Makati Scholarship Program (P5.93 million), Project FREE (P89.13 million), Talent Optimization Program for Students-Search for the Ten Outstanding Students of Makati (P816,000), Special Education Program (P3.5 million), General Administration and Support Program (P103.50 million), and Gawad Parangal (P11.67 million).
The mayor also said the city has a P1.89-billion Special Education Fund that covers Free Relevant and Excellent Education (P1.05 billion), Student’s Competency Enrichment Program (P50.73 million), Talent Optimization Program for Students-Makati Symphony Orchestra and Center for Cultural Affairs and Performing Arts in Education (P24.64 million), and Teacher Effectiveness and Competence Honing Program (P14.99 million).
Makati public school students will receive new uniforms, leather and rubber shoes, socks, bags, school supplies, tumblers, emergency go-bags, hard hats, grocery packs, rain gear, anti-dengue kits, and free snacks this year. Meanwhile, the city has also allotted P1.70 billion for the Makati Social Welfare Department (MSWD) and P108.14 million for the Youth and Sports Development Department (YSDD).
Binay said the budget covers the MSWD’s Makati Social Protection and Empowerment Program (P918.20 million), Social Welfare and Development for Makatizens Program (P513.52 million), Makati Gender and Development Council’s Gender-Responsive Social Services (P16.87 million), Makati City Council for the Protection of Children (MCCPC) Programs (P8.5 million), Makati Anti-Poverty Committee’s Makati Poverty Reduction Programs (P13.39 million). It also includes YSDD’s Makati Scholarship, Training, and Incentives Programs (P1.42 million), Hosting and Invitational Tournament (P10.31 million), Sports, Wellness, and Recreational Programs for Various Department/Offices and Other Stakeholders (P3.18 million), and Regional and National Games Program (P21.56 million).
Makati provides subsidies for members of PhilHealth ng Masa, free birthday cakes, movies, and cash gifts for senior citizens, burial assistance, disaster relief assistance, rice assistance, cash incentives for solo parents, Pamaskong Handog bags, student insurance, mass weddings, and other social programs.
For this year, the city has dedicated P4,261,527,000 for Administrative Services, P195,383,000 for Economic Development, P824,844,000 for Environmental Management, P410,771,000 for Finance Management.