SENIOR CITIZEN. Board Member Anthony Joseph Torres together with Elizabeth Baybayan, provincial social welfare and development office (PSWDO) head, led the distribution of P 100,000 worth of cash incentive to senior citizen beneficiaries aging 95 years old and above in the second district of Pampanga. (Photo by Jun Jaso/ Pampanga PIO)
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Elderlies in the province who are 95 years of age and above have started receiving their benefits and privileges as the provincial government led by Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda resumed the distribution of P100, 000 cash incentives on Tuesday, February 16, 2021.
The distribution was spearheaded by Board Member Anthony Joseph Torres for the Second District and Senior Citizen Committee Chairperson Board Member Nelson Calara for the Fourth District. They were assisted by Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).
Initially, at least four elderlies in the Second District and 10 from the fourth district received the grant from the Capitol.
“This is one way of appreciating and acknowledging their contribution sa society. It is also our way of showing respect to our elders kasi they have done their part when they were younger, so ngayon it is our way of repaying yung mga kabutihang ginagawa nila nung bata pa sila,’’ Torres said.
Ordinance no. 683 approved and amended by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan provides for grant of funds to Kapampangan senior citizens who are 95 years old and above, and alive. Beneficiaries will receive a P100, 000 checks, and plaque of recognition or citation.
“Ginawa natin ito para makatulong sa mga senior citizen, para makapagbigay ng dagdag na pera pambili ng gamot, gatas, maintenance at iba pa nilang pangangailangan,” said Calara.
Elizabeth Baybayan, provincial social welfare officer urged seniors who are in this age bracket to avail of the program that was initiated four years ago by then-governor and now vice-governor Lilia ‘Nanay’ Pineda.
Baybayan also said that the success of the program in the province has served as a model for others to follow. It was implemented ahead of the national government’s Centenarian program.
Meanwhile, families and relatives of the beneficiaries expressed their gratitude towards the program.
“Dakal pung dakal a salamat gob kasi pu maragul la pu asaup reni kareng panulu napu ning apu ku pu. Medyo maragul mu pu kasing magagastos na keng maintenance na. Dakal pung dakal a salamat gob,” said Frederick Macalino, one of the relatives of the beneficiaries. — By Luisse Rutao/Pampanga PIO
