Makati City says it has distributed P1 billion aid to residents

The Makati City government on Saturday reported that distribution of aid for its residents has already reached P1 billion through electronic money transfer.

Mayor Abigail "Abby" Binay said the cash assistance was distributed in the city through GCash in just two weeks, after the Makatizen Economic Relief Program (MERP) started.

The Makati City LGU reported that so far there were more than 207,000 beneficiaries of the program.

Binay said she was delighted with reports of "Makatizens" who were able to start their businesses aside from buying their needs and paying their water and electricity bills.

Under the MERP, the city government allotted P2.7 billion to provide cash aid to residents amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Binay said a total of 500,000 Makati residents are set to benefit from the relief program.

For those who do not have a Makatizen card, Binay said they could apply online or they could submit an application form to their respective barangay. —Jamil Santos/KG, GMA News