142 senior citizens avail govt's P500 cash subsidy
Around 142 senior citizens from Jaro district patiently waited for their turns in receiving P500 cash subsidy under the "Katas ng VAT Tulong kay Lolo at Lola" project from Vice President Noli De Castro and Social Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral.
Three of those who availed of the cash subsidy are neighbors Loreta Caballero, Narcisa Derecho and Demetrio Sobredilla. They came from Dungon B, Jaro. The recipients were all in gratitude for the assistance of the national government.
The national government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has allotted P2.18 million for 4,378 qualified senior citizens in Iloilo City.
Caballero, Derecho and Sobredilla were among the recipients who patiently seated in the plastic chairs inside the gymnasium and waiting to be called and receive the envelope containing money. Each of the qualified recipients has their own story to tell on what to do with the P500 subsidy.
Caballero, 78, was glad of the assistance she received from the national government. In her old age, the white-haired woman did not think of the hassles in going to the Jaro gymnasium just to receive the assistance.
As early as 1 pm, they are already waiting for the arrival of Vice President Noli de Castro and Social Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral. Department of Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez Sr and Mayor Jerry Treñas were also around.
For 73-year old Derecho, the waiting compensates for the food she will bring to their table. Satisfaction was seen on her face as she gladly said she will spend the money to buy rice for their dinner.
Sobredilla, 86, was accompanied by his daughter Sally Miaque in receiving the cash assistance. In his age, he can still manage to walk and join the other recipients from the district of Jaro.
The money will be left for the disposal of her daughter as the latter is taking charge of the old man's needs.
The 142 qualified recipients from the district of Jaro were the first group in the city to avail of the P500 subsidy.