A total of 5,000 senior citizens and 2,000 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) were given P500 each as part of their Local Social Pension good for the first six months of the year.
The PWD recipients included 485 from Lapuz and La Paz, 318 from Jaro, 313 from City Proper, 312 each from Arevalo and Molo, and 260 from Mandurriao district given last week.
The senior citizen beneficiaries included 1,250 from City Proper; 1,050 from Lapuz and La Paz; 700 from Molo; 500 from Mandurriao; 350 from Arevalo given since last week; and the last to be given to 1,150 recipients from Jaro on May 30.
Iloilo City Government through City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) coordinated with Persons with Disabilities’ Affairs Office (PDAO) and with Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines (FSCAP)-Iloilo City Chapter during the two-week distribution.
Mayor Jose Espinosa III said PWDs and senior citizens are among those who need most the support and privileges in the society.
“Our PWDs and senior citizens deserve a comfortable and easy way of living. Since they are the ones suffering from medical conditions very often, it’s our role as public servants to help them meet their needs and make sure that they have access to programs and services of the city,” Espinosa added.
“Most senior citizens no longer have sources of income. They can’t afford to buy medicines for themselves. That’s why we are very thankful that the City Government provided us with this assistance,” OSCA Head Elpidio Azuelo said.
Nemia Bañes, 64, from Boulevard, Molo said the money will be used for her medication.
“As a mother, I need to keep myself healthy for I have children to take care of. I will buy medicine,” Bañes said. “This is an extra help for my maintenance. I am now experiencing some health problems so I am required to buy medicine. Thank you Mayor for showing your concern to us,” said 78 year-old Erdelinda Gecaraya from Calumpang, Molo.
PDAO Head Blesilda Mabilog also thanked the City Government for giving special attention to PWDs.
“On behalf of PWD community, we want to thank the Mayor for showing willingness to help us all the time. I hope that the City Government will continue to implement more programs for us,” Mabilog added.
Jorlie Tayco, 59, from Bitoon, Jaro, and afflicted with cerebral palsy, thanked the City Government for the assistance.
“I may not express myself clearly, but deep inside, I feel happy. Thank you Mayor for showing how you sincerely care for us, PWDs. The amount given to us will be a big help,” Tayco said.
Ma. Lora Tuazon from Balantang, Jaro, diagnosed with lupus, also said she appreciated the effort of the City Government.
“As a PWD, sometimes, it’s hard to have a permanent source of income for we have limited physical ability. It’s good that our Mayor always looks for ways to improve the services for PWDs,” Tuazon added. (Thessalonia Ordales/Iloilo City PIO)
