BACOLOD City — A total of 523 senior citizens aged 80 and above received cash incentives from the city government through the Bagonhon Longevity Award on October 14.
The awarding ceremony, held at the Bago City Coliseum and Cultural Center, was part of the 2026 National Elderly Filipino Week celebration, which carries the theme, “Nakatatandang Pilipino: May Halaga at Karapatan, May Boses at Ambag sa Bayan.”
Mayor Mayette Javellana led the ceremony, recognizing the senior citizens’ contributions to the community and the city’s development.
Under the program, beneficiaries aged 80 to 89 received P5,000 each, while those aged 90 to 99 received P10,000 each.
Constancia Parsan, 100, of Purok Malipayon, Barangay Sampinit, received P25,000 as the sole centenarian among the awardees.
Javellana said a city’s success should also be measured by how it treats and honors its elderly residents, emphasizing that their worth does not diminish with age.
“At the end of the day, we are a successful city when we give honor and respect to our elders,” she said.
The mayor also highlighted the expansion of the city’s social welfare programs for senior citizens. She said the number of social pension beneficiaries increased from around 500 to more than 2,600 since the start of her administration.
The city government also provides canes and wheelchairs to qualified senior citizens, with assistance items set to be delivered directly to their homes to improve accessibility for those with mobility difficulties.
The Bagonhon Longevity Award is implemented by the City Social Welfare and Development Office and the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs. It recognizes residents aged 80 and above for their longevity and contributions to the city while honoring the legacy they leave for younger generations./PN
