Pagadian City Honors Elderlies with Cash Gifts

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — In celebration of its 56th charter anniversary, the local government of Pagadian City generously distributed cash gifts to more than 500 elderly residents. This heartfelt gesture recognized the invaluable contributions of the city’s senior citizens.

On a recent Saturday, Mayor Samuel Co personally handed out P2,000 each to 453 octogenarians and P3,000 each to 60 nonagenarians. These cash gifts aimed to honor the elders’ lifelong dedication to the community.

City’s Commitment to Senior Citizens

Mayor Co shared that the cash gifts were part of the Gawad Kalinga Awards, which this year allocated P1,086,000 to support identified senior citizens across the city’s 54 barangays. Additionally, the local government set aside P420,000 for aid to 60 solo parents, as well as to provide wheelchairs, crutches, and canes for persons with disabilities and elderly residents.

Aside from the cash distributions, the city government also handed school supplies to 90 street children and extended financial assistance to 12 families recently affected by fires.

Stories from the Beneficiaries

Eighty-one-year-old Florita Tagayon from Barangay Macasing fondly attributed her and her husband’s longevity to drinking corn brew. She joyfully counted 11 great-grandchildren but could not recall the exact number of grandchildren from her nine children’s marriages. Her story reflects the deep roots and vibrant family life of Pagadian’s elders.

All beneficiaries were carefully identified and verified by the City Social Welfare and Development Office, ensuring that aid reached those most deserving.

Pagadian City Honors Elderlies with Cash Gifts