CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The provincial government of Pampanga through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) has started distributing financial and food assistance to sickly and bedridden elderlies in the province.
The distribution which is part of the regular program of Gov. Lilia ‘Nanay’ Pineda for senior citizens started last April 25 in the towns of Lubao, Sta. Rita, Sasmuan, and Guagua.
Each senior citizen received cash assistance amounting to Php 1,000, and two packs of milk and other food items.
Maria Gonzales, 81, from Bucanan, Magalang is one of the beneficiaries of the said program.
According to Coreen Quizon, Gonzales’ niece, Gonzales became bedridden after suffering a stroke four years ago where her eyesight was also affected.
Quizon said the assistance from the provincial government is a big help for her aunt’s continuous medication.
Based on the records of the PSWDO, a total of 792 elderlies will benefit from the said activity. There are 28 beneficiaries in Mabalacat City, 62 in Magalang, 18 in Floridablanca, 25 in Guagua, 32 in Lubao, 18 in Porac, 46 in Sasmuan, 24 in Sta. Rita, 77 in Arayat, 49 in Bacolor, 30 in San Fernando, 97 in Mexico, 13 in Sta. Ana, 13 in Apalit, 73 in Candaba, 43 in Macabebe, 29 in Masantol, 20 in Minalin, 27 in San Luis, 32 in San Simon, and 36 in Sto.Tomas.
PSWD Officer Elizabeth G. Estiller-Baybayan said the distribution of assistance is stipulated in Ordinance No. 647 or An Ordinance Enacting the Senior Citizens Code of the province. She added that the cash aid can be used for the purchase of the elderlies’ daily needs such as food and medicines as well as to protect them from neglect, abuse, and deprivation
Beneficiaries from Mexico, Candaba, San Luis, and San Simon are set to receive the assistance tomorrow, May 3.
Elderlies or their designated representatives who fail to claim the assistance on the scheduled date will be visited by a staff from PSWDO to hand the cash aid and food assistance.
LIEZEL CAYANAN
