A SENIOR member of the Senate is pushing a bill seeking to double the amount that the senior citizens are receiving on a monthly basis.
During the a relief activity for senior citizens in Barangay Mintal as part of his commitment to protect and promote the welfare of the elderly, Senator Bong Go cited the need to raise the P500 monthy pension to cope up with the high cost of “their maintenance medicines.”
“Ipaglalaban ko kapakanan ng mga senior citizens. Alam niyo ba kung bakit? Kasi darating tayong lahat sa pagiging senior kaya sa mga kabataan, pasalamatan natin ang ating mga senior citizens. Wala tayo sa mundo kung hindi dahil sa kanila,” Go said.
In pushing for Republic Act 11916, which raises the monthly pension of indigent seniors, Go said the doubling their monthly pension is the least that the government can do in returning the favor.
“Nasa kultura na rin po ng Pilipino na alagaan natin ang mga nakakatanda, kaya naman nakakatuwa po na binigyang importansya ng Senado ang pagbibigay ng dagdag na pensyon sa ating mga senior citizens,” he cited. Held at the barangay gymnasium, Go and his team handed out grocery packs, masks, vitamins, shirts, and meals to 1,075 senior citizens.
Meanwhile, the senator also provided cellular phones, watches, bicycles, shoes, and balls for basketball and volleyballs to select individuals. The Department of Social Welfare and Development also extended separate financial assistance.
Go likewise reminded the beneficiaries to always prioritize their health, especially since they are more prone to health risks due to their age. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go then offered to help those with medical issues and advised them to visit the Malasakit Center at Southern Philippines Medical Center in the city. To further support the health needs of the elderlies, he also committed to push for the establishment of more Super Health Centers.
