THE Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (Osca) clarified that financial assistance for senior citizens will remain at ₱1,500 this year, with the expected increase to ₱3,000 likely to take effect in 2026.
Osca head Lorenzo Borja made the clarification during the ISpeak media forum on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the City Mayor’s Office. He confirmed that the current payout stays the same for now, but preparations for the increase are already underway.
On May 20, 2025, the 20th City Council approved on third and final reading the amendment to City Ordinance No. 0954-22, which doubles the annual subsidy for qualified senior citizens.
Borja said their office, in coordination with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), is finalizing the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) to fast-track the rollout.
However, Borja noted that the release of the ₱3,000 payout will still depend on the city’s available budget. He remained optimistic since the ordinance had already passed and is under review by the City Budget Office.
The proposal to increase the subsidy came from CSWDO head Julie Dayaday, citing the rising costs of healthcare and medicine for the elderly.
To qualify, a senior citizen must be 60 years old and above and possess a valid Senior Citizen ID issued by Osca.
As of July 2025, Osca has recorded approximately 197,981 registered senior citizens. However, around 19,000 entries still need to be verified due to duplicate names and addresses. RGP