CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City government has started giving P1,000 in financial assistance to 10,000 senior citizens in the city.
Mayor Jonas Cortes initiated the handing over of the assistance himself to the elderly from barangay Mantuyong to symbolize the start of the activity.
He was assisted by Councilor Jefferson Ceniza, the chairman of the committee on social services.
Personnel from the city treasurer's office assisted by social workers and barangay officials handed the assistance to 822 seniors citizens from barangays Centro, Guizo, and Mantuyong who comprised the first batch.
Aside from the P2,000 annual cash assistance given by the city, the elderly are also entitled to 20 percent discounts on medicine and entertainment centers as provided by law.
In Mandaue City, they get a 50 percent discount if confined in a city hospital.
Ana Dualos, senior social worker in-charge of senior citizens, said the other half of the assistance is expected to be given in December this year or early next year.
Starting today, personnel from the city treasurer's office with security personnel will go to the different barangays for the actual distribution.
The barangays scheduled today include Canduman, Ibabao-Estancia, Opao, Umapad, Maguikay, and Looc.
To claim, one has to bring his/her identification card issued by the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) as basis.
For applicants, the required documents include certification from the president of senior citizens' organization in the barangay, barangay captain's certification, and any document showing his/her birthday. (FREEMAN)