The Iloilo Provincial Government recently distributed P12.59 million in cash rewards to 2,182 qualified senior citizens under Provincial Ordinance No. 2020-216, much to the delight of the Ilonggo elderly community.
The ordinance, approved in 2022, mandates monetary rewards and recognition for qualified senior citizens aged 85 and above. The distribution began in December 2023.
“We currently offer P5,000 to seniors aged 85 and 95, and an additional P20,000 on top of the existing P100,000 provided by the national government for centenarians,” said Anna Rapunzel Ganzon, focal person for the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).
According to PSWDO data, since 2023, over P9.23 million has been released to 1,847 octogenarians, over P1 million to 223 nonagenarians, and P2.24 million to 112 centenarians. In total, the province 203,447 registered senior citizens.
“Ours is an augmentation. Ideally, the local government units (LGUs), where the senior citizens reside, should provide their own additional benefits for their elderly,” Ganzon added.
Ganzon also shared that the PSWDO is preparing to recognize municipalities and cities during the upcoming Elderly Week, which will be held in the first week of October.
Awards will be given to senior citizen-friendly areas, with first place receiving P50,000, second place P30,000, and third place P20,000.
These awards will specifically honor programs, projects, or activities that benefit senior citizens, highlighting efforts to support the elderly community across the province.
