Mandaue City seniors’ aid hike passes first reading

CEBU, Philippines — The Mandaue City Council has approved on first reading a proposed ordinance increasing the annual financial assistance for qualified senior citizens in the city to P12,000 starting in 2027.

The measure seeks to amend City Ordinance No. 16-2024-1867, which currently grants P10,000 in annual financial assistance to qualified senior citizens.

“Good news. Gipa approve nato on first reading ang atong ordinansa nga nag increase sa financial assistance sa senior citizens sa Dakbayan sa Mandaue,” said Councilor Carlo Fortuna.

Under the proposed ordinance, registered and validated senior citizens will receive P11,000 in annual assistance in 2026. The amount will be released in two tranches, with beneficiaries receiving the second tranche of P6,000 only after qualifying for and receiving the first tranche.

Beginning in 2027, qualified senior citizens will receive P12,000 annually.

“Karong tuiga, P11 thousand ang madawat. Karong December payout, P6,000 ang madawat sa senior citizens for the second tranche,” Fortuna explained.

“Next year, 12 thousand na ang madawat sa atong senior citizens,” he added.

The financial assistance will continue to be distributed in two tranches every June and December.

If the ordinance is fully enacted, beneficiaries will receive P6,000 in June and another P6,000 in December starting in 2027.

The last increase in financial assistance was implemented in 2024, when the annual aid was raised from P8,000 to P10,000.

Mandaue City currently has around 30,000 registered senior citizens.

The ordinance cited provisions of the 1987 Constitution that prioritize the welfare of elderly citizens and other vulnerable sectors. It also referenced Republic Act No. 7432 and Republic Act No. 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.

In addition, the proposed measure cited Sections 16 and 17 of the Local Government Code of 1991, which mandate local government units to provide social welfare and other basic services to their constituents.

The legislative measure was introduced following the endorsement of a letter by Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano to the City Council seeking an increase in the annual financial assistance for senior citizens.

The proposed increase fulfills one of Ouano’s key campaign promises to expand social welfare programs and provide greater financial support to the city’s elderly residents amid rising living costs.

Fortuna, the ordinance’s author, said the increase aims to address the growing financial needs of senior citizens while maintaining fiscal sustainability through phased implementation in 2026 and 2027.

The ordinance also noted that Mandaue City has consistently increased financial assistance for senior citizens through a series of measures enacted over the years, underscoring the city’s commitment to strengthening social welfare programs for the elderly.

The measure will take effect immediately upon approval by the city mayor.

Meanwhile, Fortuna said the City Council is also considering a possible increase in financial assistance for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

He clarified that no ordinance has yet been drafted for PWD assistance but assured the public that the matter is being taken into consideration.

“Gi-istudyuhan pa kung pila ang atong pwede i-increase for our PWDs,” said Fortuna. — (FREEMAN)