Surigao City elderly residents receive cash gift from gov’t
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — A total of 302 senior citizens in the city, who each received P10,000 from the national government under the Expanded Centenarians Act of 2023 or Republic Act No. 11982.
The program, implemented jointly by the city government of Surigao and the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), aims to provide early support to senior citizens, allowing them to enjoy government assistance while still active and healthy.
RA 11982, signed into law in 2024, expands the original Centenarian Act by granting P10,000 to senior citizens who reach the milestone ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95, in addition to the P100,000 benefit given to centenarians, in recognition of their contributions to society.
The activity highlighted the city government’s commitment to promoting the welfare and dignity of senior citizens, ensuring our elders are acknowledged and supported in their golden years.
Tatay Calixtro, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the cash gift he recently received from the national government. ”As a senior citizen, this financial assistance is a significant help in covering my daily expenses and medical needs. I am happy to feel the care and support of our government during these times. Thank you for prioritising the welfare of the elderly and for the efficient delivery of this benefit.”
The organizers also announced that families with senior citizens who wish to apply for the program may visit the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) at the City Hall Compound from Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Vice Mayor Alfonso S. Casurra led the distribution of cash assistance, along with Assistant CSWD Officer Mark Caven C. Salar, OSCA Head Alexander Almeda, and Project Development Officer III Tito Jan Erwin Cero. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from Surigao City PIO)
