Mayor Nancy Binay announced on Tuesday the establishment of the Makati Senior Citizens Assistance and Inclusion Program, marking a significant enhancement in benefits for the city’s elderly residents.
This initiative has been formalized through the newly enacted City Ordinance No. 2025-A-023.
The measure strengthens and reinforces prior benefits, reflecting the local government’s core dedication to upholding the dignity, health, and active engagement of senior citizens.
“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,” Mayor Binay said.
“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,” she added.
The ordinance establishes three fundamental pillars of support: enhanced financial and food security, active inclusion and employment, and tax incentives for corporate support.
It formalizes an annual cash incentive of P12,000 for all eligible Blu Card and/or White Card holders, which is disbursed biannually in equal installments.
The current incentive structure for beneficiaries is classified according to age, with individuals aged 60-69 receiving P4,000; those aged 70-79 receiving P5,000; recipients aged 80-89 getting P6,000; those aged 90-99 receiving P11,000; and individuals aged 101 and above receiving the full P12,000.
To address rising food costs, the ordinance also mandates an annual rice subsidy of 10 kilos for every qualified senior citizen.
In a pioneering effort to empower seniors who are willing and able to work, the ordinance directs the Public Employment Service Office to establish 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 private and public sectors.
To encourage city businesses to partner with the local government in this mission, 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.
The program is set to take effect on April 1, 2026, 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,” the mayor said.
She urged all qualified elderly residents to ensure their registration is updated with the MSWD and the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs to avail of these institutionalized benefits once the program becomes fully operational.
The ordinance 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.
