Marikina doubles birthday cash gift for seniors

THE Marikina City LGU, recognizing the role of their senior citizens in shaping today’s youth, and their contribution to the society, announced that they doubled the birthday cash gift given to senior citizens.

Mayor Marcelino Teodoro signed Ordinance No. 40 Series of 2024 entitled “Ordinance Increasing the Grant of Birthday Cash Gift to All Bona Fide Senior Citizens in the City of Marikina and Appropriating Funds Therefor” on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

Under the ordinance, an amount of P2,000 shall be given to all bona fide senior citizens of Marikina City on the occasion of their birthdays.

“The gesture of granting a birthday cash gift is a tangible expression of the city’s gratitude and appreciation for the elderly, fostering a sense of belonging and respect within the community,” the measure stated.

It also noted that the increasing cost of living necessitates additional financial support for senior citizens, many of whom rely on fixed incomes that may not sufficiently cover their needs.

“Increasing this amount by an additional P1,000, for a total of P2,000, will provide greater financial assistance to senior citizens, helping to address their unique needs and improve their quality of life, thereby promoting their well-being and dignity,” it said.

In 2016, the local government passed Ordinance No. 60 which grants P1,000 to senior citizens on their birthdays.

“Simula Agosto 1, 2024, bawat isa sa inyo ay makakatanggap ng karagdagang P1,000 sa inyong birthday cash gift, kaya’t magiging P2,000 na ang kabuuang matatanggap ng ating mga mahal na seniors,” Mayor Marcy said.

“Ang simpleng handog na ito ay hindi lamang isang financial benefit, ito ay isang pagkilala at pagpapahalaga sa inyong naging bahagi sa paghubog ng ating lungsod,” he added.

According to the data from the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), there are currently around 96,000 senior citizens in Marikina.

“Ito ay isang regalo na hindi lamang magbibigay saya sa inyo, kundi maibabahagi rin ang selebrasyon na ito sa inyong mga mahal sa buhay, mga anak, apo, at mga apo sa tuhod.

Vice Mayor Marion Andres, a senior citizen himself, thanked Mayor Marcy for signing the ordinance that doubled the birthday cash gift of senior citizens in the city.Linda De Leon, who witnessed the signing ceremony along with other senior citizens representing the different barangays of Marikina, expressed gratitude to the city government of Marikina, especially to Mayor Marcy, Vice Mayor Andres, Marikina First District Representative Maan Teodoro, and the 10^thMarikina City Council for recognizing their contributions to the city.