Mandaue’s elderly receive balance of cash assistance

CEBU, Philippines - The last batch of accredited senior citizens in Mandaue City yesterday received their balance of P1,000 in financial aid for this year.

The elderly in Mandaue City receive P2,000 in financial assistance from the city government annually. They received the first half of the assistance last July.

The city government through the City Treasurer’s Office started giving the balance last December 11 in respective barangay halls and other venues.

According to the validated list prepared by the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), there are 12,190 beneficiary-senior citizens belonging to 28 barangay-based chapter organizations.

Nedy Sienes, head of OSCA, said the distribution went smoothly since the preparations were made a long time ago.

According to Sienes, the payroll used in July was validated by the office of councilor Nenita Layese, chair of the committee on laws and ordinances and is the basis for the distribution of the balance this week.

Sienes said those who failed to claim their balance due to health or other reason can authorize representatives to claim the amount for them from the CTO using the official form available at their barangay office or at the OSCA office located at the office of the City Social Welfare and Services (CSWS).

Mayor Cortes who personally handed the amount during the ceremonial turnover last Monday does not discount the possibility of increasing the assistance next year depending on the availability of funds.  (FREEMAN)