Easier access to aid

CEBU, Philippines — Voting in Cebu City will no longer be a requirement for elderly residents to avail of financial assistance from the city government.

This is what Mayor Michael Rama told retired Philippine ambassador to Turkey Maria Rowena Sanchez during the latter’s visit to his office.

“I will be calling to amend the requirements for the senior citizen’s financial assistance and no longer require a voter’s certification for you to avail of the cash aid… As long as you are a resident here in the city, then you are entitled to avail of the financial assistance,” Rama said, as quoted by the city’s Public Information Office.

Sanchez and four other retired ambassadors paid Rama a courtesy visit on July 1, 2022 to congratulate him on his fresh term as mayor.

The PIO said Sanchez praised Rama for standing up for senior citizens.

At present, senior citizens would need to submit a photocopy of their ID, a barangay certification, and an original copy of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) voter’s certification to prove they have been voting in Cebu City since 2013.

Rama believes requiring a voter’s certification is nothing but a political move.

“As long as you are a resident of the city then that is an already valid requirement,” he said.

Under City Ordinance No. 2453, qualified senior citizens are entitled to financial assistance of P1,000 a month or a total of P12,000 a year.

Senior Citizens center

Meanwhile, Rama also shared his plan to turn a portion of the Gotiaoco building across City Hall into a Senior Citizens Center where the elderly can avail of services the city offers.

The Gotiaco building houses the Sugbo Chinese Heritage Museum

“There will also be a ballroom dance floor on the second floor and an elevator so that they will not use the stairs,” Rama said.

Rama reiterated that he will look for additional budget for the purchase of hearing aids, wheelchairs, and medicines, also for the elderly.

“Let us continue to help them because I am a senior and I was not born if it wasn’t for my parents who are also seniors,” he said. – JMO (FREEMAN)