BACOLOD City – In a move aimed at strengthening grassroots leadership and improving the delivery of social services, the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) here has unanimously approved a resolution calling for an increase in the monthly allowance of Senior Citizen and Persons with Disability (PWD) Association presidents.
The resolution urges the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), and the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), through Mayor Greg Gasataya, to double the current monthly allowance from P500 to P1,000.
Authored by Councilor Caesar Z. Distrito, chairperson of the SP Committee on PWD Affairs, and Councilor Celia Flor, chairperson of the SP Committee on Senior Citizens, the measure recognizes the vital role of barangay-based association leaders as the primary link between the city government and vulnerable sectors.
“These working presidents serve as frontliners in their communities. They coordinate activities, assist members with documentation, attend official meetings, and help ensure that government programs reach those who need them most—often at their own expense,” Distrito said.
Bacolod City currently has 74 Senior Citizen Association presidents and 42 PWD Association presidents, who serve as key coordinators and representatives at both the barangay and city levels.
Flor said the proposed increase comes at a crucial time, as rising transportation costs and basic commodity prices continue to place additional financial strain on volunteer leaders.
“Their allowance is largely spent on transportation and incidental expenses just to attend meetings, orientations, and consultations with OSCA, PDAO, DSSD, and other offices. Increasing this support will allow them to continue serving their members effectively and sustainably,” she said.
The approved resolution emphasizes that enhanced financial support for sectoral leaders will improve coordination, strengthen community-based governance, and help ensure more responsive and efficient social services for senior citizens and persons with disabilities across the city./PN
