The city government of Taguig announced on Friday it has increased the birthday cash gifts being given to senior citizens in the city.
Under city ordinance 25, series of 2017, elders in the city will be receiving P3,000, P4,000 and P5,000, depending on which age bracket they fall under—the 60 to 69 bracket, 70 to 79 bracket, or 80 to above bracket respectively, beginning January 2018.
The increase is the second since the City Council made mandatory, through City Ordinance No. 09, the distribution of P500 monetary gifts to each of Taguig's elderly on their birthdays in 2008.
In 2013, the local council also adjusted each senior citizen's birthday cash gift to P1,000.
“In Taguig, we believe that if we have enough resources and capability to provide better services to the people then we do it,” said Mayor Laarni Cayetano during the flag raising ceremony last Monday.
Explaining the rationale behind the increase, Mayor Cayetano said she wants “our second parents to feel that they are part of a city government which includes them as one of its priorities since we understand the medical needs and expenses that come with old age.”
Eligible for the birthday cash gift are senior citizens who are residents of Taguig for a minimum of five years and are registered voters of the city.
To claim the birthday cash gift, an elderly resident should present his or her Senior Citizen ID card that can be processed at the Office for Senior Citizen Affairs located in the city hall, and a signed photocopy of the said ID.
Representatives tasked to claim the gift should present an authorization letter, the senior citizen card of the beneficiary and a photocopy of the representative’s valid ID.
Under the administration of Cayetano, the welfare senior citizens has always been a priority. Aside from the birthday cash gift, the elders are given a P1,500 social pension which is distributed quarterly.
In addition to these, all senior citizens who reach the age of 100 receive P100,000 and continue to receive the same amount every year after their 100th birthday.
In Taguig, there is also a house-to-house delivery of free maintenance medicines for those with diabetes, high blood and asthma.
The TLC Home Care Service—which allows elderly residents to experience free nursing services at the comfort of their own homes—is also being implemented in Taguig.
Senior citizens can also avail of free eye checkups and prescription glasses under the Oplan Linaw program, and the free film showing every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at movie houses located in the city.
The city government also plans to build a five-story building with a park that will serve as a recreational area for the elders.