Borongan City: The Borongan City government is doubling the monthly financial assistance of PHP500 for senior citizens starting in 2025, implementing a local ordinance approved last year.

According to Philippines News Agency, the ordinance was authored by City Councilor Lyra Gel Agda Limbauan and revised Section 4 of City Ordinance No. 210, originally passed in 2012, that grants a monthly monetary allowance to eligible elderlies in the city. This adjustment will benefit approximately 5,800 elderly residents.

In an online interview, Limbauan expressed, '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 extended her gratitude to the members of the city council, led by Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda and Vice Mayor Emmanuel Tiusonco, for their support in creating the ordinance and implementing the program.

The author of the ordinance cited inflation as a significant factor in the decision to raise the monthly allowance of the elderly to PHP1,000. 'Many are no longer employed and rely solely on government-provided monetary allowances to sustain their daily needs. Therefore, it is essential to periodically adjust the allowance for senior citizens to help maintain their quality of life amid rising costs,' the ordinance stated.

The distribution of the monetary assistance is conducted in each village by the city social welfare and development office every six months. In addition to the monthly allowance, eligible senior citizens of Borongan also receive free medicines, support for agriculture-related livelihoods, and free bus rides.