BY ROBERT NIETES, University of Antique Intern
ILOILO — A total of 54 senior citizens aged 85 and 95 years old received monetary awards from the Iloilo provincial government as part of its continuing recognition program for elderly residents.
The cash distribution was conducted by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) on March 20, in accordance with Provincial Ordinance No. 2020-216.
The ordinance provides financial grants to qualified octogenarians, nonagenarians, and centenarians in the province.
Recipients came from the municipalities of Lemery, Sara, Barotac Viejo, Cabatuan, Lambunao, Guimbal, Tubungan, Igbaras, Carles, Concepcion, and Dueñas.
Each octogenarian (85 years old) and nonagenarian (95 years old) received P5,000 in recognition of their contributions to the community.
Under the program, centenarians or those aged 100 and above receive P20,000.
Since its implementation in 2023, the PSWDO reported that over P9.23 million has been distributed to 1,847 octogenarians, more than P1.11 million to 223 nonagenarians, and P2.24 million to 112 centenarians.
As of March 2025, the province is home to 203,447 senior citizens. The municipality of Pavia was recognized as the Most Senior Citizen-Friendly Municipality in Iloilo.
Senior citizens who wish to avail themselves of the cash grant may visit the PSWDO and submit necessary documents including proof of age, residency, and, if required, a certificate of indigency.
The program aims to honor the vital role of the elderly in Iloilo’s growth and development./PN
