Elderly from Mandaue get cash assistance

CEBU, Philippines - Senior citizens in Mandaue City began receiving their annual financial assistance from the city government yesterday.

Councilor Jefferson Ceniza, chairman of the committee on social services, assisted by Office of the Senior Citizens (OSCA) head Nedy Sienes, supervised the distribution.

Each senior citizen are given P1,000 for now and the city will release the balance of P1,000 in December this year.

“We are planning to increase the financial to senior citizens depending on the availability of funds,” said Ceniza.

He said increasing the cash assistance to persons with disabilities from P500 to P1,000 is also being planned.

Sienes said records show there are 14,000 registered senior citizens but only 12,000 are qualified beneficiaries based on their voter’s registration certificate.

Sienes said beneficiaries were reassessed.

Starting yesterday until Friday, the distribution will be held at the respective barangays halls.

“Nalipay ko sa akong nadawat dako nig tabang sa among kan-onon (I am happy with what I have received.),” said Jose Conde, 63, former utility driver from barangay Maguikay.

Aside from financial assistance, Mayor Jonas Cortes has given the senior citizens a service vehicle, an office and 50 percent discount if hospitalized at the city hospital over and above the 20 percent discount provided by law. - THE FREEMAN