Councilor Go backs centenarian ordinance, pushes expanded benefits for elderly

COUNCILOR Gilda O. Go, chair of the City Council committee on senior citizens, expressed full support for the proposed centenarian ordinance filed by Councilor Yevonna Yacine B. Emano during the 9^th regular session of the 21^st City Council.

Go said the city has been granting ₱100,000 cash incentives to centenarians since 2017, with funds facilitated through the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) Office, adding the city has no backlog in granting such incentives per Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) guidelines.

She also supported the proposed five-year residency requirement for beneficiaries, rather than just one year, to prevent potential abuse of the incentive system.

Go further disclosed that she and Councilor Jonjon Rodriguez had earlier discussed expanding the program to include senior citizens aged 80, 85, and 95 years old, similar to the national government’s initiative, which provides ₱10,000 for these milestones.

The proposed centenarian ordinance seeks to institutionalize and strengthen the city’s recognition and support for elderly citizens who have reached 100 years of age and beyond. (JAO/SP)