ZAMBOANGA CITY — Mayor John Dalipe distributed cash incentives to elderly beneficiaries in Zamboanga City on the morning of November 22. A total of 122 beneficiaries were elated to receive the government-provided cash incentives.
Of the recipients, 98 are octogenarians, ranging in age from 80 to 89 years old, while 24 are nonagenarians, aged between 90 and 99 years old. The beneficiaries, representing 11 barangays in Zamboanga City under the CSWDO-Field Office 3, gathered at the Sta. Maria Center for the Elderly for the distribution organized by the City Social Welfare and Development Office and paymasters from the City Treasurer’s Office.
The distribution of incentives aligns with City Ordinance 459, as amended by Ordinance 539, which outlines benefits for octogenarians and nonagenarians in Zamboanga. According to the ordinance, nonagenarians receive a cash incentive of 20,000 pesos each, while octogenarians receive 10,000 pesos each. An additional 20,000 pesos is reserved for release when a senior citizen reaches 100 years old.
This initiative is part of the local government’s efforts to acknowledge the valuable contributions of senior citizens to the community. It complements the national government’s incentive program, facilitated through the Department of Social Welfare and Development under Republic Act 10868, which recognizes the significant role of senior citizens in society.
The ordinance also prioritizes addressing the immediate needs of senior citizens, such as providing assistance for medical maintenance and other essential requirements.
