Free college, post-graduate education for Makati seniors

Education knows no age in Makati. Senior citizens who wish to pursue a college or master’s degree can do so for free, courtesy of the local government.

Based on a city ordinance passed by the City Council, Makati residents who are 70 years old and above and who wish to enroll in college or graduate school, in any course of their choice, will be admitted as scholars and shall be exempted from paying tuition at the city-run University of Makati (UMak).

Makati Mayor Abigail Binay said that the city government wanted to help the city’s elderly residents fulfil their dream of earning college or higher education degrees.

“We were inspired by two senior Makatizens who graduated from our local senior high school and university this year. Through these new legislations, we aim to acknowledge their contributions to society and encourage them to pursue higher education,” Binay, a lawyer and daughter of former Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, said.

The younger Binay was referring to Armando Buhay Albes, Sr., a 78-yearold resident of barangay West Rembo, who finished his degree in A.B. Political Science major in Local Government Administration at UMak, and 79-year old Salvacion Flores Nacario, also a West Rembo resident, who graduated from junior high school at Fort Bonifacio High School.

Under City Ordinance No. 2017-063, enrolees must comply with additional minimum requirements, including passing the entrance examination, submission of a certificate of good moral character, transcript of records, among others.