BACOLOD City – The Bacolod City Government has strengthened its support for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) through increased financial assistance, improved services, and leadership development programs aimed at empowering vulnerable sectors in the community.
Mayor Greg Gasataya announced that the monthly allowance of senior citizen association presidents has been doubled from P500 to P1,000. He also confirmed the completion of the city’s dedicated Senior Citizen Center, a project prioritized under his first executive order upon assuming office.
The development was highlighted on May 26 as 80 presidents of senior citizen associations from 61 barangays, under the Federation of Senior Citizens Associations of Bacolod (FSCAB), paid a courtesy call on the mayor and received their quarterly allowances.
Under the new policy, each association president now receives P1,000 monthly or P3,000 every quarter, double the previous amount.
According to Gasataya, the initiative recognizes the important role senior citizen leaders play in coordinating programs and assisting elderly residents in their respective barangays.
The mayor also announced the completion of the Senior Citizen Center beside the Bacolod City Government Center, describing it as one of the administration’s priority projects.
“I personally ensured that our Senior Citizen Center would be completed as a space worthy of our seniors,” Gasataya said.
Once fully operational, the facility will serve as a one-stop hub for senior citizens and will house the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), along with medical and social service facilities.
Gasataya added that the center will include a pharmacy, dental clinic, and eye clinic that will provide free consultations and medicines in partnership with the City Health Office.
The City Cooperative and Livelihood Development Office, in coordination with the Tourism Office, will also conduct livelihood training, skills development, and recreational activities for senior citizens.
FSCAB President Teresita Espuerta, representing around 12,000 senior citizens citywide, expressed gratitude to the city government for the increased allowance and completion of the center.
“We are deeply thankful to Mayor Gasataya for doubling our allowance. This is a big help for us, especially now that medical expenses are very high,” Espuerta said.
She added that the Senior Citizen Center would greatly benefit elderly residents, particularly those who experience difficulty traveling to access government services.
Meanwhile, the city government is also intensifying efforts to empower the PWD sector through leadership and capability-building programs.
Secretary-to-the-Mayor Marty Go said the city remains committed to supporting persons with disabilities by providing training opportunities that will enhance their leadership and community participation.
A two-day “Capability Development, Leadership Training and Planning Workshop” for PWD leaders is being conducted in Bacolod City from May 27 to 28.
Councilor Caesar Distrito, who attended the event, emphasized the importance of strengthening leadership and unity within the disability sector.
“Through this activity, we aim to equip our PWD leaders with the knowledge, skills, and awareness necessary to better serve their respective organizations and communities,” Distrito said.
He added that empowering PWD leaders also strengthens advocacy, participation, and inclusivity for persons with disabilities in the city.
Earlier, the Bacolod City Council approved a resolution calling for an increase in the monthly allowance of senior citizen and PWD association presidents.
The resolution urged the Department of Social Services and Development, OSCA, and the Persons with Disability Affairs Office, through the mayor’s office, to increase the allowance from P500 to P1,000.
“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,” the resolution stated.
The initiatives underscore the Bacolod City Government’s continuing efforts to promote welfare, dignity, inclusivity, and active participation among senior citizens and persons with disabilities./PN
