THE OFFICE of the Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA) clarified on Thursday, the increase in senior citizens’ annual subsidy is expected to take effect next year.
“This year, our release is still P1,500,” OSCA head Lorenzo Borja said during the Ispeak Media Forum on Thursday.
Borja said the additional subsidy is expected to be released next year, but the exact amount is subject to change.
“Maximum is P3,000, depending on the availability of funds. Anyway, it’s already approved, it’s already looked at by the city budget,” he stressed.
OSCA reported that the elderly population reached 197,981. Some 19,000 on the list still need cleansing due to duplicate addresses and names.
The amendment of the City Ordinance No. 0954-22 was approved on May 20, 2025, doubling the annual financial assistance for qualified senior citizens from ₱1,500 to a maximum of ₱3,000.
Julie Dayaday, City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) head, recommended the increase due to the rising cost of healthcare and medicines.
To qualify, they must be 60 or above and possess an original Senior Citizens ID issued by the OSCA.
The ordinance sets a cut-off for inclusion of new beneficiaries in the master list on the last working day of May each year. Seniors who turn 60 from June to December will be included in the next year’s masterlist.
The ordinance sets the payout in July, August, September, and ends in October every year in line with the Elderly Filipino Week.
Borja said the CSWDO is formulating the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the ordinance for a smooth implementation next year.
Photo courtesy of City Government of Davao
