The Quezon City government will grant additional cash aid to qualified senior citizens, solo parents, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) to help them cope with the increasing prices of basic goods and commodities.
The target beneficiaries of the monthly P500 cash for a maximum of 12 months are the “extremely poor” in Quezon City. Only one member per family will be allowed to receive the aid.
The beneficiary must not be a recipient of other regular financial assistance such as social pension and cash transfer programs. After 12 months, the beneficiary may reapply for inclusion in the program.
Persons applying as target beneficiary must present a proof of identity, residency, indigent status issue not earlier than six months prior to the application date, and proof of status as senior citizen, solo parent or PWD.
“This is one way to help alleviate the effect of the pandemic and the increasing prices of goods, especially for senior citizens, solo parents, and PWDs,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said in a statement. “This is a big help for their everyday expenses for food, medicine, and other needs.”
Meanwhile, presidential aspirant Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao vowed to provide free housing units, full hospitalization coverage for senior citizens, and livelihood opportunities for poor Filipinos if he wins the May 9 elections.
In his Leyte sortie on Thursday, Pacquiao said he will also push to increase up to P2,000 the monthly social pension of senior citizens.
Under Section 5 of Republic Act 9994 otherwise known as the “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010,” indigent senior citizens are entitled to a monthly stipend amounting to P500 from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
The cash aid aims to augment the daily subsistence and other medical needs of indigent senior citizens.
If elected, Pacquiao said he will also push for free housing units and livelihood assistance for underprivileged people. (PNA)
Image credits: PNA