Seniors receive two-month worth of aid

CEBU, Philippines — Senior citizens in Cebu City have begun receiving their two-month worth of financial assistance after last month’s calamity forced the merging of the November and December payouts.

As announced by the city government, the barangay-based distribution runs until today, December 13, 2025, while those unable to claim during their barangay schedule may proceed to the Office of the City Treasurer from December 15 to 19 and on December 22 to 23.

Each qualified beneficiary will receive P2,000, which reflects the corresponding aid for both November and December under the city’s Senior Citizens’ Financial Assistance Program, which grants P12,000 annually as stated in City Ordinance No. 2453.

The November release was postponed after heavy flooding and weather disturbances disrupted logistics and redirected government resources toward disaster response.

Mayor Nestor Archival earlier ordered that the assistance be distributed monthly as per the city ordinance. This move aims to ease the government’s workload and provide seniors with more regular support.

Councilor Pastor “Jun” Alcover Jr., however, has consistently opposed the monthly release, arguing that it is impractical.

As chairman of the City Council’s Committee on Senior Citizens, Alcover has pushed for a return to quarterly distribution, saying that preparing monthly payrolls is too burdensome for the city government and that receiving only P1,000 per month barely covers seniors’ transportation costs to claim their aid. He maintains that quarterly payouts are more efficient for both the government and the beneficiaries.

The Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs reported that Cebu City now has 94,099 registered beneficiaries, up from 92,600 last year, with thousands of newly added seniors integrated into the program earlier this year.

Barangay officials have reminded beneficiaries that those who miss their barangay schedule may claim their assistance at Cebu City Hall within seven days after the barangay distribution. All unclaimed financial assistance after the ten-day period will be forfeited.

City offers skills training

Meanwhile, the city government is once again placing opportunity within reach of its residents as the Department of Manpower Development and Placement (DMDP) opens enrollment for its skills training programs for the first quarter and first trimester of 2026.

Accordingly, the program is part of the city’s continuing commitment to equip Cebuanos with practical skills that can lead to better livelihoods and stronger career prospects. Enrollment is now ongoing and will end on December 29, 2025, at the ground floor of Ramos Public Market.

The training begins on January 5 next year, with the three-month courses concluding on March 26 and the four-month programs ending on April 27. The city government also announces that classes will be held Monday through Friday.

The three-month programs include advanced fashion, cosmetology, culinary arts, dressmaking, food and beverage services, housekeeping, and plumbing.

The four-month courses cover automotive servicing, computer system servicing, electrical installation and maintenance, and refrigeration and air-conditioning.

Applicants must submit a Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or Local Civil Registrar birth certificate, two clear ID photos (2x2 and 1x1), a barangay certificate or voter’s certification, and for Culinary Arts applicants, a chest X-ray result taken within the last six months.

With the opportunities at hand, the DMDP has reminded the public that slots are limited and encourages early registration. — /IHM (FREEMAN)