66T elderly receive 3rd tranche of cash aid

TO a few bystanders taking shade at the local gym of Barangay Guadalupe, Letty Caballero could easily pass off as a woman in her late 60s.

A wide smile was etched on her face as she exchanged pleasantries with friends and strangers alike.

Letty, who is actually 81 years old, advised her fellow senior citizens to do away with stress and eat more fruits and vegetables to keep that “youthful” glow.

That is why it was no surprise that the fruit stall outside was the first place she went to after receiving her P1,000-financial assistance from the Cebu City Government yesterday.

“I bought mangoes and sweet potatoes because they are my favorites. I have them for my afternoon snack. I always want to eat healthy foods because I have hypertension,” she said in Cebuano.

Social activity

Letty was one of around 66,000 qualified senior citizens in the 80 barangays who received the third tranche of the cash aid that the City promised them this year.

Letty said she looks forward to the distribution of the aid because this also gives her an opportunity to see her elderly friends and catch up.

In between stories of aging woes and health tips, Letty said she and her friends also exchange opinions, especially on the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

She told SunStar Cebu that they heard from the news about Mayor Tomas Osmeña warning candidates and supporters of Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) not to take advantage of the occasion.

“I agree with the mayor because using the distribution of our cash aid as a venue for their campaign is an insult to us. I would be disappointed if those running for office would do that, whether they are from BOPK or the other party. Just campaign if it’s time and do it properly,” Letty said in Cebuano.