A total of 237 senior citizens from various barangays (villages) in Legazpi City received PHP10,000 each under the National Commission of Senior Citizens’ (NCSC) cash assistance program during its second payout for the year at the Ibalong Centrum for Recreation on Monday.

Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) Legazpi City head Nelia Valladolid said the beneficiaries belong to the age groups of 80, 85, 90 and 95 years old, who receive financial assistance in recognition of their contributions to society.

“This is meant to thank them for their contributions to our society over the years. The values and lessons we have learned from them are part of what they have passed on to us, which is why recognizing our senior citizens is very important,” she said.

She also cited the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for continuing the program, which aims to recognize older Filipinos who have reached these milestone ages and express the government’s gratitude for their contributions.

Valladolid said the initiative serves as a form of recognition for senior citizens who have spent many years contributing to their families and communities.

One of the beneficiaries, Leticia Edralin Plaza, thanked the government for the assistance, saying she also offers prayers of thanksgiving for the blessing.

“Thank you because we are receiving this assistance. Since we live near the church, I go there to pray and give thanks to our dear God,” she said.

She said she plans to deposit the money for her own needs while sharing part of it with her two children.

“I will deposit the money for myself and also give some to my children. I only have two children, and I will really set aside the money for our family even though they are already working and helping us. Thank you very much,” Plaza said.

The payout highlights the government’s efforts to recognize the contributions of senior citizens and provide financial assistance to eligible older Filipinos who have reached specific milestone ages. (PNA)