In addition to the P10,000 cash gift, partner agencies distributed other goods to 28 beneficiaries, who are senior citizens aged 80-95. There are 10 males and 18 females in this batch of beneficiaries. Only some of these individuals received assistance during their official gift-giving ceremony on stage. (DCC/PIA-10)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — Recognizing the invaluable contributions of Filipino senior citizens, Cagayan de Oro joined the simultaneous nationwide kickoff of the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) Inaugural Cash Gift Distribution led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on February 26 in Malacañang.
City government officials, regional departments, and beneficiaries gathered at the SM City Uptown Activity Center to mark the occasion, coinciding with the ceremonial distribution event held at Heroes Hall, Malacañan Palace.
“Sa bagong Pilipinas, hangad natin na mabuhay na may ginhawa at dignidad ang ating matatanda,” said Marcos, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the elderly’s role in national progress.
(In the new Philippines, we aspire for our elderly to live with comfort and dignity.)
Providing benefits to senior citizens, the program was established under Republic Act 11982, or the Expanded Centenarians Act of 2024, with NCSC expecting to distribute P2.9 billion to over 275,000 senior citizens nationwide this year.
Executive Assistant Emille Manuel Espejo of NCSC-10 relayed a message from Commissioner Edwin Espejo, stating that the beneficiaries need not express gratitude to the government, as the initiative is a way of acknowledging their years of dedication and service.
“Our beneficiaries don’t have to thank the government for this program because this is only our way of giving back your contributions to society and your unending support for nation-building,” he said.
Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando ‘Klarex’ Uy, represented by Yenyen O. Empinado-Alabe, extended appreciation to the city’s senior citizens, recognizing their role in shaping the community’s identity and progress.
“You are the architects of progress, the guardians of our heritage, and the inspiration of our youth. The people of Cagayan de Oro will continue to learn from your wisdom, grow strong from your experiences, and honor you in every step,” she said.
One of the recipients, Guillerma Rait, 85, shared how such financial assistance can contribute to improving the quality of life of senior citizens while also promoting awareness of healthy living.
“Daghang salamat kay nakadawat ko karon. Siyempre nalipay kaayo nga naay ing-ani (Thank you very much. I received a cash gift. Of course, I’m very happy to have something like this),” said Rait
She added that she will use the money to buy nutritious food. She also added that a secret to living that long is to eat nutritious food and not to stress so much.
In addition to the recognition ceremony and cash distribution, the Cagayan de Oro City Health Unit, along with other regional agencies, provided free healthcare checkups and distributed gift packages to attendees.
“They deserve nothing less than our love, our care, our protection, our respect, and our honor,” Marcos said, underscoring that the responsibility of caring for the elderly does not rest solely on the government but on society as a whole. (JDPA/PIA-10)
