BIÑAN, LAGUNA—Over 18,650 senior citizens in this city received the second wave of cash assistance from the local government unit (LGU) during the weekend, from December 21 to 22, at the Alonte Sports Arena.
City Mayor Walfredo R. Dimaguila Jr. told the BusinessMirror that the Local Social Pension Program, administered by the City Social Welfare and Development Office, provides qualified beneficiaries with an annual total of P6,000. This amount is divided into two distributions: P3,000 for the first half of the year (January to June) and P3,000 for the second half (July to December), effectively giving pensioners P500 per month.
Dimaguila said that the city allocates nearly P120 million annually on various programs for senior citizens.
“We prioritize our senior citizens, as well as persons with disabilities (PWDs) and solo parents,” Dimaguila said.
In a separate interview, City Vice Mayor Angelo B. Alonte emphasized that, while they aim to increase the cash distribution for each local pensioner, their current priority is to ensure that as many people as possible benefit from the assistance.”
“Gusto natin mabigyan muna silang lahat, bago tayo mag isip na i-adjust o itaas ’yung ipamimigay,” he said. [We want to make sure everyone receives help first before we consider adjusting or increasing the amount given.] Echoing Alonte’s sentiments, Dimaguila explained that while national pensioners receive significantly higher amounts—around double what the local government provides—the number of recipients is much smaller. In contrast, the local government, he said, aims to assist a larger number of pensioners, even if the amount per individual is not as high as that given at the national level.
Support for indigents
DIMAGUILA also mentioned that in line with the Republic Act 11982, which amended RA 10868, senior citizens who reach milestone ages are eligible for additional benefits. The Expanded Centenarians Act (RA 11982) provides P10,000 to seniors at the ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95. Those who reach 100 years old continue to receive a cash benefit of P100,000 from the Philippine government.
In line with this, Dimaguila confirmed that the city will provide an additional P100,000 to residents who reach 100 years old.
In addition to senior citizens, Dimaguila mentioned that groups such as solo parents, PWDs, and those living near train tracks have also received assistance. However, he acknowledged that the city cannot provide for everyone.
He explained that it would not be sustainable if the LGU simply gives out assistance like the national government’s programs such as AKAP (Ayuda sa Kapos sa Kita Program) and AICS (Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation).
This was underscored when Dimaguila addressed concerns raised by some residents who questioned why not everyone received a Christmas basket from the LGU this year. He clarified that the provincial government allocated only P50 million for the baskets, but distributing them to all residents would cost an estimated P200 million or four times the original budget.
Sustainability first
THE mayor further clarified that local officials decided not to distribute the Christmas baskets to all residents as long-term projects were prioritized. These include the construction of colleges, two campuses of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), five science high schools, and the soon-to-open city hospital.
“Imagine if we spent all of it giving out baskets that would be gone in a week,” he emphasized, adding that the senior citizen program they implemented is a way to recognize and honor them.
Dimaguila, however, made clear that the local social pension program is unrelated to the upcoming 2025 mid-year election. He explained that the initiative has been in effect since 2021, with Alonte being the author of the local ordinance.
Alonte, in turn, expressed optimism that the monthly distribution of P500 to senior citizens would increase. He extended his gratitude to local taxpayers for enabling the program and ensuring that assistance reaches the community.
In addition, Alonte encouraged potential investors to consider Biñan for their business ventures, assuring them that the city would take care of their needs.
“We will make sure to take good care of you. We can help you more, and we won’t make things difficult for you,” he said.
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of paying the right taxes to ensure the community continues to benefit: “We just want to ensure that we pay the right taxes so that our constituents can benefit,” he said in a mix of Filipino and English.
Image credits: John Eiron R. Francisco
