CITY OF SAN FERNANDO— “It’s a payback time for the provincial government because these beneficiaries had given their time and share for the human development of Pampanga.”
Thus said Gov. Lilia G. Pineda as she handed checks of P100,000 to each of 43 “senior seniors” aged 95 and above during a short program in their honor at the Benigno Aquino Hall here on Monday.
Pineda said she considered it an “imperative for the provincial government to extend due care and attention to all senior citizens, especially those in the upper 90s in age.”
The provincial government enacted an ordinance for P100,000 for living Kapampangan centenarians which was later amended by the sangguniang panlalawigan with the age requirement put at 95 years of age. Only natural- born Capampangans are eligible for the grant.
The governor said she knew full well the needs of senior citizens in terms of food, medicines and even and even adult diapers in their day-today living.
“We are here to give whatever we can to make their remaining days as pleasant and happy as possible,” Pineda said.
Elizabeth Baybayin, head of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), said the cash incentive is a huge help knowing that most senior citizens are poor.
The PSWDO said this program of the governor for the elderly can help bedridden, indigent and sick senior citizens.
She said another incentive that could be availed of by the elderly is the P1,000 monthly cash assistance which is part of the pension program of the Provincial government.
– Bong Z. Lacson with PIO Pampanga
