Makati subsidizes movie tickets of persons with disabilities

MANILA, Philippines - More than three thousand movie tickets were issued to persons with disabilities (PWD) in Makati City, allowing them to enjoy films for free from January to March this year. In a report submitted to the Mayor’s office, the city’s finance department said its four cinema partners were paid some P103,686.25 as part of its 25 percent subsidized share for the issued tickets. Ayala Land Inc, which manages Glorietta and Greenbelt cinemas, received P30,207.50 for 930 tickets; Rockwell Land of Power Plant cinemas, P30,295 for 801 tickets; Walter Mart of Cinema 2000, P14,922.50 for 491 tickets; and Universal Management Corporation (UMC) of ABC Tri-cinema, P28,261.25 for 1,020 tickets. Earlier, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay expanded the coverage of the city’s “free movies" program to include PWDs in “recognition of their important role in city-building." “Our PWD constituents, just like our senior citizens, deserve simple treats such as watching movies for free. It is our way of thanking them for their contributions to the city’s progress. The city government also recognizes their need for greater access to opportunities for leisure, which would help them enjoy life more," Binay said. Data from the city’s social welfare department indicate that Makati has 2104 registered PWDs to date. To enjoy the privilege previously reserved for Makati’s senior citizens, PWDs are required to present their Free Movie ID card and movie booklet to ticket sellers. The city pays more than P5 million annually to cinema operators for subsidized movie tickets. - GMANews.TV