CASH GIFT. Senior citizens in Barangay Pembo, which is now under the jurisdiction of Taguig City, attend the distribution of birthday cash gifts by the city government on Thursday (Aug. 31, 2023). A total of 271 senior citizens from the 10 newly transferred EMBO barangays received their birthday cash gifts. (Photo courtesy of Taguig City government)

MANILA – A total of 271 senior citizens residing in the 10 newly transferred “enlisted men’s barrios” (EMBOs) received their birthday cash gifts from the city government of Taguig on Thursday.

The August birthday celebrants got their cash gifts in simple rites led by Mayor Lani Cayetano in Barangay Pembo.

The initial list of 271 senior citizens was verified using the list of social pension beneficiaries from the barangays.

Others received their birthday cash gift at their doorsteps as barangay workers went from house to house for the distribution.

Under this program, Taguig senior citizens received cash gifts ranging from PHP3,000 to PHP10,000 depending on their age bracket: PHP3,000 for those aged 60 years to 69 years; PHP4,000 for those 70 years to 79 years; PHP5,000 for those 80 years to 89 years; and PHP10,000 for those 90 years to 99 years.

Those who reach the age of 100 will be given PHP100,000 and will continue to receive the same amount every year for the rest of their lives.

Guillermo Perez Jr., 72, from Barangay South Cembo thanked the City of Taguig for the cash gift and house-to-house distribution.

“Napakaganda po na dinadala niyo sa amin sa bahay ang aming cash gift. Maraming salamat po (It’s good that you were able to personally deliver our cash gift to our home. Thank you very much),” he said as received his PHP4,000 cash gift.

It was the first time for Adela Miranda, 86, of Barangay Post Proper Southside, to receive a cash gift amounting to PHP5,000 for her birthday.

Miranda thanked the local government, saying she would use the money to buy rice and other basic supplies.

Taguig also opened a one-stop shop volunteer center along Sampaguita Street in Barangay Pembo where those who are not included in the initial list of senior citizen beneficiaries could go and have themselves listed and verified for their birthday cash gift.

The one-stop shop is also open for inquiries and applications of social services, such as medical assistance, burial assistance, benefits for persons with disabilities, and even scholarship concerns.

Taguig also conducts house-to-house delivery of free maintenance medicines for those with diabetes, hypertension and asthma. (PNA)