ZAMBOANGA CITY – The city government, under the leadership of Mayor John Dalipe, released more than P5.2 million in cash incentives to over 1,000 senior citizens and septuagenarians during separate payout events held on June 14 and 15.
The distribution is part of the implementation of City Ordinance No. 609, also known as the “Septuagenarian Benefit Ordinance of Zamboanga City,” which provides financial assistance to senior citizens to support their health and medical needs.
On Saturday, June 14, a total of P2.3 million was distributed to 474 beneficiaries from barangays under City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) – Field Office 4, held at the Guiwan covered court. The beneficiaries included:
- Tetuan – 144
- Tugbungan – 93
- Guiwan – 86
- Divisoria – 75
- Mampang – 48
- Lumayang – 17
- Arena Blanco – 11
Senior citizens aged 60 and above received P1,000 quarterly cash assistance, while septuagenarians (70 to 79 years old) were given P5,000.
The following day, Sunday, June 15, an additional 586 septuagenarians from CSWDO – Field Office 2 received a total of P2.93 million in cash incentives during a ceremony held at the Zamboanga Central School. Each beneficiary was granted P5,000, also in line with Ordinance 609.
The breakdown of beneficiaries on June 15 includes:
- Baliwasan – 155
- Kampung Islam – 42
- Kasanyangan – 15
- Mariki – 7
- Rio Hondo – 17
- Sta. Catalina – 124
- Sta. Barbara – 32
- San Jose Gusu – 66
- San Jose Cawa-Cawa – 78
- Sto. Niño – 7
- Zone I – 27
- Zone II – 16
Mayor Dalipe emphasized that the program reflects the city’s sustained commitment to supporting the elderly population and recognizing their invaluable contributions to society.
Vice Mayor Josephine Pareja joined Mayor Dalipe in the June 15 distribution, along with Councilor Al-Jihan Edding, OSCA Head Jorge Camins, personnel from the CSWDO and City Treasurer’s Office, senior citizens’ association officers, and barangay officials.
The CSWDO continues to facilitate the series of payouts across Zamboanga’s barangays to ensure that all qualified senior citizens and septuagenarians receive their due benefits in a timely and organized manner.