ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — The City Social Welfare Development Office (CSWDO) on Thursday, September 3, spearheaded the rollout of cash incentives for some 100 octogenarians and nonagenatians from various barangays at the Sta. Maria covered court.

Mayor Khymer Olaso, who dropped by to meet and greet the senior citizens, reiterated the planned digitalization of cash disbursements for elderlies and other vulnerable groups.

He assured that the transition to online distribution of cash grants is now on process following the forging of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the city and the Land Bank of the Philippines recently.

Meanwhile, during the payout, some 100 beneficiaries from Barangays Cabatangan, Calarian, Camino Nuevo, Canelar, Dulian-Pasonanca, Pasonanca, San Roque, Sta. Maria, and Tumaga comprised of 84 octogenarian and 14 nonagenarians received a cash grant of P10,000 each.

Beneficiaries unable to attend due to health risks received their payout through house-to-house distribution.

Milagros Quijano, an octogenarian-beneficiary shared insights about the smooth and organized payout process, noting that the distribution started as early as 8:00am.

For her part, Aracelli Gonzales, and Josefina Mas Lacastesantos expressed gratitude, stating that the financial assistance helps ease the burden of purchasing maintenance medication.

Gonzales stated: Pwede ya este compra medicina de maintenance,” sharing that the grant covers her daily prescriptions.

Expressing appreciation for the local government, Lacastesantos said: “Thankful yo con el government that they have this program, otherwise el los demas que no hay gayot, no hay cosa resibi.”

The annual cash grants are available for all senior citizens reaching key milestone ages, specifically, septuagenarians, octogenarians, and nonagenarians.

Additionally, the quarterly cash incentive is open to all seniors regardless of their employment status. (By Rachel Sarif) (photo credits: Vince Funes)