Bacolod City Council Approves Resolution to Double Monthly Allowance for Senior, PWD Leaders
The Bacolod City Council has taken a significant step toward supporting community leaders by approving a resolution that calls for increasing the monthly allowance of Senior Citizen and Persons with Disability (PWD) Association Presidents. This move aims to bolster the efforts of these vital frontliners who play a crucial role in connecting government services with vulnerable sectors.
Resolution Details and Authorship
The resolution, formally endorsed, urges the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (Osca), and the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) to implement the allowance hike from P500 to P1,000 per month. This initiative is directed through Mayor Greg Gasataya for execution.
Councilor Caesar Distrito, who chairs the City Council committee on PWD affairs, authored the measure, with Councilor Celia Matea Flor serving as co-author. Their collaboration underscores a bipartisan effort to address the needs of community leaders in Bacolod.
Rationale Behind the Increase
Councilor Distrito emphasized that the resolution recognizes the indispensable work of barangay-based association presidents. These leaders act as frontliners, coordinating activities, assisting with documentation, attending meetings, and disseminating information, often at personal expense.
He highlighted that Bacolod has 74 Senior Citizen Association Presidents and 42 PWD Association Presidents, all serving as key coordinators at both barangay and city levels. Their roles are essential for ensuring that government programs reach senior citizens and persons with disabilities efficiently.
Addressing Economic Challenges
Councilor Flor pointed out the timeliness of this increase, noting the escalating costs of transportation and basic commodities. She explained that the current allowance is primarily consumed by transportation and incidental expenses incurred during official duties.
By raising the support, the city aims to help these leaders sustain their active participation and continue serving their members effectively, without financial strain hindering their community work.
Expected Benefits and Impact
The allowance increase is projected to yield multiple positive outcomes:
- Strengthen community-based leadership by providing better financial support.
- Improve coordination between the city government and sectoral organizations.
- Enhance the delivery of social services for senior citizens and PWDs across Bacolod.
This resolution marks a proactive approach by the Bacolod City Council to empower local leaders, ensuring they can fulfill their roles without undue hardship. It reflects a commitment to social welfare and community engagement in the face of economic pressures.
