Talisay dad proposes birthday gift to elderly

CEBU, Philippines- Apart from the P500 monthly pension, a Talisay City councilor is proposing to give another P500 to the city's senior citizens as birthday gift.

Councilor Semy Cabuenas, city council committee chairman on Social Services, said that at least their elderly constituents, although minimal, will have something for their birthday.

For a senior citizen to avail of this program, Cabuenas said he/she must be an active member of the Office of the Senior Citizens Association.

This measure, if approved, will be another benefit that the city's elderly will be getting from the city hall. `

The national government has recently implemented the P500 monthly pension to them, although it only covers those who are 77 years old and above.

Last week, at least 13 elderly beneficiaries received P1,500 in social pension, for the first quarter of this year.

Based on its current records, OSCA has 10,684 members but since RA 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act in its Social Pension provision has set the age limit, 77 years old and above as beneficiaries, not all of them will enjoy this monthly privilege.

OSCA has however sent a letter to President Aquino asking him to push for the amendment of this law.