BACOLOD CITY – The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod is urging Mayor Greg Gasataya to implement the social pension for persons with disability.
This appeal is contained in a resolution approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod, requesting the mayor to implement the social pension for persons with disability (PWDs) as mandated by City Ordinance No. 1010, Series of 2022, known as the “Bacolod Social Pension for Seniors and PWDs Ordinance.”
The resolution was principally authored by Councilor Atty. Caesar Z. Distrito, chairperson of the SP Committee on PWD Affairs, and co-authored by Councilors Celia Flor and Em Ang, in support of expanding the implementation to include PWDs, who are equally identified as beneficiaries under the law.
City Ordinance No. 1010, authored by Councilor Flor, provides PHP500 monthly financial assistance to qualified indigent senior citizens and PWDs who meet the following criteria: they do not receive any contributory pension from GSIS, SSS, PVAO, or DSWD; have no permanent source of income or family support; and are registered voters and residents of Bacolod City for at least one year.
Councilor Distrito emphasized the need to ensure equity in the ordinance’s implementation.
“The city has already rolled out the social pension for our senior citizens in 2024 and this year,” Distrito said.
He added that it is now imperative to extend the same support to qualified PWDs, who were clearly identified as beneficiaries of the ordinance.
“This is a matter of both fairness and compassion,” he added.
Flor, author of the landmark ordinance, said full implementation is a vital step toward inclusive social protection.
“This ordinance was passed to provide direct relief to two of our most vulnerable sectors—seniors and PWDs. Both deserve our government’s full attention and support,” she said.
Councilor Ang also expressed her support, highlighting the broader vision of the local government for social equity.
“We must ensure that no vulnerable sector is left behind. This is part of our continuing commitment to a caring, inclusive, and people-centered governance,” she said. (Dolly Yasa via tdg)