Malabon gives out cash aid card

MANILA, Philippines — The local government of Malabon has started the distribution of the first tranche Ahon Blue Card financial aid for poor residents of the city.

Card holders may claim their ayuda worth P500 at automated teller machines powered by BancNet or at any United Storefront Service Center branches located in Barangays Tañong, Tinajeros and Hulong Duhat.

The cash aid is the fourth for Malabon residents since the city government rolled out the program last year. The beneficiaries claimed the first three aids, which include a combination of grocery and financial assistance, P850 in cash and a media noche package.

Mayor Jeannie Sandoval initiated the blue card program through the city monitoring evaluation accountability and learning office and the social welfare and development department to make it easier to help residents, according to city administrator Alexander Rosete.

Among those who qualified for the financial aid are those who were able to claim three assistance packages last year, and the new beneficiaries who got their cards from Jan. 1 to March 24.

The city government aims to provide the blue cards to about 94,000 heads of families in Malabon.