The Davao City Council on Tuesday passed on third and final reading the ordinance increasing the senior citizen’s subsidy up to P3,000 annually, subject to the availability of funds.
The measure amended Ordinance No. 0954-22, which grants financial aid to all qualified senior citizens in the city, addressing the unique needs of elderly residents.
Under the newly amended ordinance, the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), through its Direct Service Implementers (DSI), will oversee implementation and beneficiary validation in coordination with the Barangay Council, Purok Leaders, and Senior Citizen Associations.
Senior citizens are encouraged to affiliate with recognized Senior Citizens Associations in their barangays to stay informed about the programs and benefits under the ordinance.
For bedridden seniors, authorized representatives must secure a certification from CSWDO social workers to facilitate the financial payout.
The ordinance also sets the cut-off date for accepting new beneficiaries as the last working day of May each year. Seniors who turn 60 years old from June to December will be included in the next year’s master list.
Once funds are available, the CSWDO finance section will inform district offices about the payout schedule, with details disseminated to barangays and posted publicly.
Seniors are given five days to claim their financial assistance after the payout date. Any unclaimed funds will be returned to the City’s surplus funds through the City Treasurer’s Office (CTO).
The CSWDO is also expected to formulate Implementing Rules and Regulations within 90 days after the enactment of the ordinance. CIO
