Surigao city: The Surigao City government has distributed PHP3.02 million in cash gifts to 302 senior citizens. Each beneficiary, aged 80, 85, 90, and 95, received PHP10,000 under the Expanded Centenarians Act of 2023, with Vice Mayor Alfonso Casurra spearheading the distribution alongside national and local senior citizen agencies.

According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative aims to support senior citizens and acknowledge their contributions to the community. Asterio Arpilleda, a 90-year-old recipient, expressed gratitude for the government's support, emphasizing the importance of such aid for his maintenance medicines. Similarly, 85-year-old Evenly Casurra thanked the authorities for addressing the needs of senior citizens.

City officials stated that the distribution of cash gifts reflects their ongoing commitment to enhancing the welfare and dignity of the elderly population. In a related event, Surigao del Norte Governor Robert Lyndon Barbers provided PHP2.61 million in cash aid to 219 families affected by a fire in Barangay Taft last November.