Twenty-four octogenarians and nonagenarians from Barangays Taculing and Pahanocoy each received ₱10,000 during the third-quarter payout of the LGU Ladderized Centenarian Program on Thursday, September 6.
The Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) initiative, fully supported by Mayor Greg Gasataya, seeks to recognize and honor the invaluable contributions and wisdom of qualified elderly members of the community who have reached milestone ages, a Bacolod City Communications Office press release said.
Of the 24 beneficiaries, aged 80 years old and above, 15 were from Barangay Taculing, while nine were from Barangay Pahanocoy.
The ongoing payout is part of the local implementation of the amended Republic Act No. 10868, or the Centenarians Act of 2016, granting benefits to octogenarians and nonagenarians through Republic Act No. 11982.
DSSD social workers Wendy Castro, Grace Vallencia, and Dy-Ann Torrecarion, along with barangay representatives, facilitated the smooth distribution of the cash grants at the respective barangay halls, the press release said .
The program reflects Gasataya’s commitment to offering vital support and services for vulnerable sectors, particularly senior citizens.
The mayor has directed the establishment of a Senior Citizens Center in Bacolod City, underscoring his administration’s prioritization of elder care and welfare, the press release said.*