Dead seniors allowed to claim financial aid

CEBU, Philippines - The city government of Mandaue has allowed the family of dead senior citizens to claim the first tranche of financial assistance this year which the city has distributed since Monday.

Melinda Bihag, head of the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs, said the P2,000 cash assistance for seniors who died within the period from March 1 until the schedule of distribution will be released to the family.

Bihag said the claimant only needs to present a valid identification together with the death certificate and the I.D. of the deceased beneficiary.

Mandaue City started distributing the first installment of the P6,000 annual financial assistance to the registered senior citizens of the city last Monday. The distribution will be until Friday.

Bihag said they have divided the distribution into five clusters because of the number of beneficiaries. Currently the city has 17,719 registered senior citizens.

Senior citizens from Barangays Subangdaku, Cambaro, Centro, Guizo and Mantuyong were given their financial assistance last Monday while those from Barangays Ibabao-Estancia, Basak, Jagobiao, Canduman, Maguikay and Cabancalan received yesterday.

Senior citizens from Tipolo, Casuntingan, Banilad, Bakilid I and Bakilid II are scheduled today. Those from Alang-alang, Umapad, Opao, Looc, Labogon and Paknaan will have their turn on Thursday and Friday will be for Barangays Tabok, Pagsabungan, Tingub, Cubacub, Casili and Tawason.

Bihag explained that those who died before March 1 can no longer avail of the cash assistance.

Those who cannot claim their assistance on the scheduled date can still claim it at the City Treasurer’s Office from April 24 to 28.

The Mandaue City government is giving P6,000 assistance to all senior citizens every year. It is released every four months. (FREEMAN)