Proposed P1M for centenarians junked

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Councilor Gerardo “Gerry” Carillo is proposing for the city government to grant P1 million reward to any city resident who reaches 100 years old.

His idea, though, failed to get the support of his fellow legislators because of the city’s fiscal situation.

In last year’s celebration of the Senior Citizens Month, there were about 10 centenarians from different barangays  of  the city who were given P100,000 each.

Councilor Lea Ouano-Japson who reviewed Carillo’s proposal delivered her report in yesterday’s session of the City Council. She said the proposed amount is so huge and approving it would be a burden for the city.

Japson said they may raise the amount to P200,000 for each centenarian, but not P1 million.

In a later interview, Carillo explained that by raising the amount to P1 million, this will encourage the children or the grandchildren of the senior citizens to take care of their parents or grandparents and not neglect the elderly.

“Ang ako nga tumong mao nga gipadak-an nato ang kantidad aron madasig ang mga anak o apo nga atimanon nila ang mga tiguwang kay kon moabut na sila og 100 ang edad ma-rewarded man sila,” he said.

The other councilors, however, thinks this will only trigger an exodus of elderly people in the provinces to come to Cebu City.

“Aw kana ‘sab maoy angay nga tan-awon pag-ayo mao nga kinahanglan g’yud nga motrabaho g’yud ang Office of Senior Citizens Affairs,” said Carillo. (In that case, the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs will have to work harder.)

Aside from giving the centenary awards, the city is also giving P10,000 cash assistance to each senior citizen.

Carillo also proposed that the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) will create a special ward for the elderly and to provide them with free drugs and medicines. — /JPM (FREEMAN)