(Photo courtesy of Iloilo City government)
ILOILO CITY – The Iloilo City government has expanded its financial assistance program for senior citizens by granting an annual Php 10,000 cash gift to qualified residents aged 101 and older.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod approved during its regular session Wednesday an amendment to the Ilonggo Centenarian Ordinance, allowing beneficiaries to continue receiving financial assistance every year after reaching 100 years old.
Under the existing ordinance, qualified senior citizens receive Php 10,000 upon reaching 80 years old, Php 20,000 at 90 and Php 50,000 upon turning 100.
The amended measure provides an additional annual Php 10,000 cash gift for centenarians who reach 101 years old and above, recognizing every year beyond 100 as another milestone worthy of financial support and recognition.
The city government allocated Php 4 million annually for the program. Of the amount, Php 3 million will cover the existing milestone incentives, while Php 1 million will be set aside for the yearly cash assistance for residents aged 101 and older.
“The rising cost of living, healthcare and caregiving necessitates the enhancement and continuation of financial assistance for qualified senior citizens,” the amended ordinance stated.
Councilor Rudolph Jeffrey Ganzon, author of the measure, pushed for the expansion of the program to provide additional support to elderly residents facing increasing medical and daily living expenses.
To qualify, beneficiaries must be bona fide residents of Iloilo City, must be alive at the time the incentive is released, and must be verified and certified by the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs.
The OSCA, together with the City Social Welfare and Development Office and other concerned city offices, will formulate the implementing rules and guidelines for the expanded program.
The move comes as Iloilo City continues programs supporting the welfare of senior citizens, including activities and services held during Elderly Filipino Week.
