Valenzuela senior citizens get early Christmas gift

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 72,218 senior citizens in Valenzuela each received 10 kilos of rice as part of the local government’s “Pasko sa Hulyo para Kay Lolo at Lola 2025” program, which kicked off Thursday.

The elderly residents registered with the city’s office of senior citizens affairs (OSCA) as of April 30 are eligible for the five-day citywide distribution on July 10, 11, 12, 18 and 19 in the barangays.

Valenzuela Mayor Wes Gatchalian said the initiative, with a P35.6-million budget, aims to support senior citizens with essential aid and is part of the city’s continuing commitment to promote dignity and care for the elderly.

Rice vouchers were distributed house-to-house by the OSCA and barangay personnel to inform recipients of their pick-up schedules. 

Representatives are allowed to claim on behalf of the seniors, provided they present proper identification and authorization, the local government said.