In a move to enhance the welfare of its senior citizens, Borongan City in Eastern Samar has decided to double the monthly financial assistance provided to its elderly residents. Starting in 2025, the monthly allowance will increase from PHP500 to PHP1,000, following the approval of a local ordinance last year. This decision was spearheaded by City Councilor Lyra Gel Agda Limbauan, who revised Section 4 of City Ordinance No. 210 from 2012 to facilitate this increase.
Approximately 5,800 senior citizens in Borongan will benefit from this financial uplift. Councilor Limbauan emphasized that this adjustment is part of ongoing efforts to support the city’s elderly population, stating, ‘This increase in the monthly monetary allowance for our senior citizens has been approved through our continued efforts to promote their welfare. It is my way of fulfilling my promise to provide consistent support to our elders in the city.’ She expressed gratitude towards Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda, Vice Mayor Emmanuel Tiusonco, and the city council for their support in passing and implementing the ordinance.
The decision to raise the allowance was influenced by rising inflation rates, which have impacted the cost of living for many seniors who are no longer working and depend heavily on government assistance. The ordinance highlights the necessity of adjusting the allowance to help seniors maintain their quality of life amidst increasing expenses.
The distribution of this financial aid occurs bi-annually in each village, managed by the city’s social welfare and development office. In addition to the increased monthly allowance, Borongan’s senior citizens also enjoy benefits such as free medicines, support for agriculture-related livelihoods, and complimentary bus rides.