Through the city’s commitment to supporting the welfare of the Pamilyang Valenzuelano elderly, the City of Valenzuela, led by Mayor WES Gatchalian, granted cash incentives worth PhP 50,000 to honor the twelve (12) centenarians of the city in celebration of the Elderly Filipino Week, last October 25, 2023.

As mandated by Proclamation No. 470, every month of October is the celebration of “Elderly Filipino Week” which aims to recognize the valuable contributions of Filipino senior citizens over the years and extend support to their needs. In observance of this annual celebration, the City Government of Valenzuela distributed PhP 50,000 worth of financial grants to twelve (12) centenarians, as recognized by the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA).

Centenarians were set to receive the said incentive once every year, and its distribution to qualified centenarians was by virtue of Ordinance No. 300, series of 2016. It was amended by Ordinance No. 652, series of 2020, which raises the cash incentive from PhP 20,000 to PhP 50,000 due to economic considerations.

The twelve (12) centenarian residents of Valenzuela City came from barangays Bagbaguin, Canumay West, Coloong, Karuhatan, Malinta, Mapulang Lupa, Ugong, and Wawang Pulo. Reportedly, there were five (5) 100-year-olds, two (2) 101-year-olds, one (1) 102-year-old, three (3) 103-year-olds, and the oldest senior citizen, a 104-year-old elderly woman named Marta Matus.

Aside from financial grants, the City Government also ensured that all benefits and other appropriate measures were given to senior citizens to support their needs and secure their well-being.

Treading toward the future, the city continuously upholds the importance of honoring the valuable contributions and legacy of the Pamilyang Valenzuelano elderly, who played a vital role in shaping our community today.

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