MANILA — Retirement need not be tedious for the elderly, says President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., even as he hinted at providing poor senior citizens with a P1,000 monthly allowance starting January next year.
In “The President’s Budget Message” for the upcoming fiscal year, Marcos cited the need for the government to “supplement senior citizens daily living and medical expenses,” adding that such a move reflects the administration’s commitment to an inclusive society.
Citing the significant contributions of senior citizens to the country, the President finds it “morally imperative” for the government to return the favor with simple gestures of appreciation.
Under the proposed 2025 national budget, the government earmarked a whopping P49.8 billion to cover allowances for 4,085,066 indigent elders under the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens Program.
Aside from the poor senior citizens, Marcos likewise noted an additional P3-billion fund covering the financial support for Filipino centenarians as provided for under the Expanded Centenarian Act, which stipulates a P100,000 cash gift for Filipinos upon reaching their 100th birthday, on top of the P10,000 cash gift for senior citizens aged 80, 85, 90, and 95.
To ensure effective implementation of the program, local government units were instructed to facilitate senior citizens’ registration with the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) website to qualify for the monthly allowance.
In some areas, LGUs launched on-site registration days to assist senior citizens, most of whom are not even versed in the online process. The registration will collect personal information, an economic profile, health condition, and skill set identification from applicants.
This initiative is part of the Marcos administration’s commitment to prioritize the welfare of the country’s elderly population. (JCO/PIA-NCR)