BIÑAN CITY, Laguna (PIA) – In an effort to ensure the welfare of senior citizens, the city government of Biñan instituted a local social pension program that guaranteed a payout for over 18,000 elderly in the city.
During a payout ceremony held at Alonte Sports Arena from December 21 to December 22, some 18,666 senior citizens received an additional P3,000 financial support from the city government, covering the period July to December 2024.
According to Mayor Arman Dimaguila, the Local Social Pension program will help senior citizens in their vital needs during the Holiday season.
“This is something that other LGUs can’t do; not everyone is able to provide local social pension. For us, senior citizens, as well as PWDs and solo parents are special,” Dimaguila said.
The pension program, authored by Vice Mayor Gel Alonte, was enacted during the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure that every senior citizen in Biñan would benefit from the city’s thriving economy.
This year, the program has a total allocation of almost P120 million and included programs for social pension and healthcare for the elderly.
Dimaguila then stressed the city government’s efficient fiscal responsibility in allocating more funds for the most vital services of the city such as the education and health system.
“If we distributed this in one week [Pamaskong Bayong], it will be consumed immediately, so I think the dole-out program needs to be balanced with other programs. This distribution for senior citizens, this is a form of recognition for them.” Dimaguila added.
The city mayor assured the public that the local social pension is separate from the national government’s pension program under Republic Act 11982 or the Expanded Centenarians Act, and will continue even when the city administration changes. (CO/PIA-4A)
