Makati grants cash, rice subsidies to public school students under new ordinance

The Makati City government has rolled out a new social support initiative aimed at easing the financial burden of education for thousands of families with children enrolled in public schools.

Mayor Nancy Binay announced that the City Council has approved Ordinance No. 2025-A-024, which grants annual cash and monthly rice incentives to students from day care to senior high school, including those enrolled in Special Education (SPED) programs.

“Education is the foundation of everything we're building in Makati. If we want our students to compete, to succeed, to lead, we need to make sure poverty never stands in their way,” Binay said. “Cash for school expenses. Rice on the table every month. These aren't luxuries. They're what it takes to keep a child in school and focused on learning.”

Under the program, day care, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and elementary students will each receive P3,500, while junior and senior high school students will get P7,000 per school year. The monetary aid will be released in two parts: June and December.

On top of financial support, each student will receive five kilos of rice every month, to be distributed by the City Education Department in partnership with the Makati Social Welfare Department.

The program aims to curb absenteeism and dropouts among students from low-income households by addressing basic needs and school-related expenses. Binay emphasized the emotional and financial strain families face in securing their children’s education.

“No parent should have to choose between their child's next meal and their school needs. We are lifting that burden by committing to every Makati family: your child's future matters to us, and we're here to help you protect it,” she said.

The ordinance was co-authored by 11 councilors and endorsed by Councilor Felix L. Imperial, chair of the Committee on Laws, Rules, and Ethics. It was approved during the council’s regular session on 29 October.

Funding will be drawn from the city’s annual budget for education and social welfare. The ordinance is set to take effect on 1 April 2026, after publication.

With this initiative, Makati reaffirms its long-standing commitment to inclusive education, providing concrete support for learners and their families toward a more equitable future.