DAVAO CITY (May 21) –The Davao City Council on Tuesday approved on third and final reading an amendment to Ordinance No. 0954-22, doubling the annual financial assistance for qualified senior citizens from ₱1,500 to ₱3,000.
The amendment, authored by Councilor Pilar Braga, aims to ease the burden of healthcare costs, particularly maintenance medicines. Julie Dayaday, head of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), backed the increase due to rising medical expenses.
To qualify, recipients must be at least 60 years old with a valid Senior Citizens ID issued by the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (Osca). Those who turn 60 from June to December will be listed the following year. As of 2024, there are around 168,799 registered seniors in the city.
The ordinance encourages seniors to join accredited barangay organizations to stay informed. Bedridden seniors must have a certified representative and medical clearance from their assigned CSWDO social worker to claim the aid.
The payout schedule has been moved to between July and October, aligning with Elderly Filipino Week. Unclaimed funds will be returned to the City Treasurer’s Office within five days after the scheduled release. Funding will come from the city’s annual budget and follow regular audit procedures.
Councilor Braga expressed hope that implementation will begin by June, following Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte’s approval.
