The Iloilo City Government has some P8-million for release this year to qualified elderlies under the Centenarian and Senior Citizens Welfare Program.
A total of 395 beneficiaries will receive cash incentives – 311 of whom are 80 years old, 78 are 90 years old, and six are 100 years old.
“In Iloilo City, we leave no one behind as we take care of all sectors especially the marginalized and the vulnerable. We pay close attention in particular to senior citizens because they need our assistance the most in their twilight years,” Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said.
The giving of incentives is pursuant to Regulation Ordinance Number 2019-519, otherwise known as the Ilonggo Centenarian Ordinance, which is a government recognition of the longevity and contributions of centenarians to the well-being of their families and communities.
Under the said ordinance, the elderly upon reaching the age of 80, will already be entitled to receive P10,000; P20,000 upon reaching 90 years old; and P50,000 upon turning 100 years old.
City Hall’s incentive is an addition to the P100,000 provided by the national government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development as mandated by Republic Act 10868, or the Centenarians Act of 2016.
To avail themselves of the benefits under the law, relatives of the centenarians must submit primary documents such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, government-issued ID, voter’s certification, barangay certificate with number of years of residency, whole body colored picture, and letter of authority if submitted through a representative, to the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) at Ground Floor of Iloilo City Hall.
The submitted documents of senior citizens who wish to avail themselves of the said cash incentive will undergo the necessary verification process. (Angelo Miranda/Iloilo City PIO)