MORE than 50,000 elderly residents of Makati City are still receiving premium benefits from the local government under the Blu Card program, according to Mayor Abigail Binay.
“Seeing and knowing that they are happily enjoying their retirement years double my happiness. It has always been one of our goals to ensure that they are not only happy, but also healthy and cared for,” Binay said.
“I want them to experience a worry-free and comfortable life as they go through their twilight years,” she added.
As of September 18, over 38,000 Blu Card holders have received their mid-year cash incentives amounting to P71.82 million through their updated GCash accounts.
Blu Card holders must update their GCash account to be able to access their cash incentives.
Under the Blu Card program, registered senior citizens get cash incentives twice a year, in June and December. For the mid-year windfall, seniors 60-69 years old receive P1,500; 70-79 years old, P2,000; 80-89 years old, P2,500; and 90-99 years old, P5,000.
Centenarians aged 101 and above also receive P5,000 as a mid-year cash incentive provided that they have been a Blu Card holder for at least five years. If not, the beneficiary only gets a P2,500- midyear cash incentive.
Since 2022, the cash incentives have been directly sent to the GCash accounts of the recipients to ensure safe, convenient, and fast delivery of their mid-year gifts.
At least 121 Makati centenarians have also been awarded with P100,000-cash gifts since 2012.
Blu Card holders also continuously enjoy the free movie viewing benefit which allows them to watch up to three movies for free in one day, at any time and day that cinema partners are open. As of September 26, around 55,871 beneficiaries have availed of this perk in the city’s three partner cinemas, namely, Glorietta, Ayala Malls Circuit, and Greenbelt.
On Monday, Nov. 11, the city launched the program at Waltermart Makati Cinemas, its fourth partner.
Binay said 22,100 birthday cakes have also been delivered to seniors celebrating their birthdays this year. Some 3,256 beneficiaries have also availed of free salon and spa services like haircuts, nail care, and chair massage.
To keep them physically active, the Lakbay Saya ng mga Senior Makatizens is being conducted twice a year. It allows able-bodied senior citizens the privilege to travel to popular spots and historical sites not only within Metro Manila but also in other parts of the country, all for free.
A total of 105 seniors participated in the first batch of Lakbay Saya conducted last May 16 and 17, 2024.
Support devices were also provided to the elderly, such as ordinary wheelchair (64); reclining wheelchair (56); walker (4); cane (17); and quad cane (13).
Burial assistance was also given to the families of 682 seniors who have passed on.
To date, Makati has 52,390 active Blu Card holders.
Mayor Binay said her administration also ensures that the senior citizens’ health care remains to be one of its top priorities.
Under the Yellow Card program, senior citizens can avail of free healthcare, consultations, and pharmacy services at the Ospital ng Makati and Makati Life Medical Center. They also receive free maintenance medicines and vitamins delivered at their doorstep.
They are also given free shots of flu, pneumonia and other available vaccines once a year for added protection from emerging illnesses. Unlimited dialysis and hospice care are also available for chronically-ill senior citizens.
