Pinoy Everest climbers to become adopted Makati citizens

ABS-CBN news

Four Filipinos who successfully climbed the world's tallest mountain are set to become honorary citizens of the city of Makati, Mayor Jejomar Binay said Monday.

Binay said he has asked the Makati City Council to pass an ordinance adopting Leo Oracion, Carina Dayondon, Janet Belarmino and Noelle Wenceslao as "citizens of Makati." Erwin "Pastor" Emata, another member of the Everest team, is already a Makati resident.

"The conferment of honorary citizenship to the members of Team Everest is a small gesture of gratitude to real heroes who made great personal sacrifices to bring honor to the Philippines," Binay said in a statement.

The mayor met with the members of Team Everest at a student forum at the University of Makati (UMAK) Thursday, where they gave Binay autographed first edition stamps commemorating Oracion and Emata's ascent on Everest on May 17-18, 2006. The women climbers gave Binay signed photos of the three at the summit of Everest taken last May 18.

As adopted citizens of Makati, the members of Team Everest will receive Makati Yellow Cards, the much-cited city government program which entitles card holders to subsidized hospitalization services.

Team members can also train at the many sporting facilities of the city government including the Makati Aqua Sports Arena (MASA) in Barangay West Rembo and the UMAK Oval, which is set to open next year.

Binay said the climbers can also look forward to a "pampered retirement" since they will also be entitled to the benefits received by Makati 's senior citizens.

At present, Makati's elderly can watch a movie for free in all Makati cinemas any day of the week, receive cakes on their birthdays and are taken on out-of-town trips to famous vacation spots. They also receive a yearly allowance of P2,000.