ILOILO – The provincial government has disbursed P12.59 million in incentives to 2,182 senior citizens since the implementation of Provincial Ordinance No. 2020-216 which recognizes and provides financial awards to qualified octogenarians, nonagenarians, and centenarians.
The ordinance was approved in 2022 yet but disbursements started only in December 2023.
According to Anna Rapunzel Ganzon, the focal person for the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), the funds released include over P9.23 million to 1,847 octogenarians, more than P1.11 million to 223 nonagenarians, and P2.24 million to 112 centenarians.
The incentives consist of P5,000 for seniors aged 85 and 95, and an additional P20,000 for centenarians, supplementing the national grant of P100,000.
Ganzon expressed hope for an expansion in the coverage of the ordinance to benefit more senior citizens with monetary rewards from the provincial government. She clarified, however, that local government units (LGUs) could also provide similar awards to enhance the seniors’ ability to afford essentials like food and maintenance medications.
The PSWDO, stressed Ganzon, is focused on supporting not only senior citizens but also providing assistance from “womb to tomb”. She emphasized the ongoing efforts to aid bedridden seniors through house-to-house visits.
Iloilo province currently has 203,447 registered senior citizens.
Under the provincial ordinance, qualified octogenarians receive a P5,000 cash incentive and a congratulatory letter and certification from the governor.
Nonagenarians are granted the same cash incentive and recognitions, while centenarians receive a P20,000 cash incentive, a congratulatory letter, a certification from the governor, a plaque of recognition, and a Sangguniang Panlalawigan resolution acknowledging their exemplary status.
Eligible seniors must submit pertinent documents, such as a birth certificate and a certificate of residency from their barangay captain, to their respective Municipal Social Welfare Officer./PN
