Lola Amada Almelia Lotino, 95 years old of Purok 6, barangay Del Rosario, Pilar, Sorsogon is the latest recipient of the Fiscal Incentive granted to Senior Citizens aged 95 years old and above last August 25, 2021 by virtue of Municipal Ordinance No. 008 Series of 2017, “An Ordinance Granting Fiscal Incentive /Benefit to Bonafide Senior Citizens who have reached the age of Ninety-Five or more and presently living and residing in the municipality of Pilar, Sorsogon”. The identification and evaluation of the awardee is lodged at the Office of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development thru the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs(OSCA).

 

It was the intention of this Ordinance to recognize the kind of life spent and lived healthy and productively by the elder in order to reach such long years with energy and strength. The local government came up with such legislation in 2017 inspired by Republic Act 10868 “An Act Honoring and Granting Additional Benefits and Privileges to Filipino Centenarians , and For Other Purposes” also known as the “Centenarians Act of 2016.

 

In the Philippines, living to a hundred years is rarity in this day considering the modern lifestyle and ways of many Filipinos(RA 10868). In Pilar, in particular, the granting of the incentive is given to any older persons aged 95, with proof to establish the age. The reason behind is to let the family celebrate this milestone in the life of the elderly even before he/she reaches a hundred years. This is also the local government’s way of showing recognition and should, in a way, be emulated by the younger generation so that life should be taken cared of. Hence, reaching 95 to a hundred is a manifestation of preserving life by evading those that will cause lifestyle diseases and conform with those healthy lifestyle programs of the government.

 

To date, other recipients of Five Thousand (Php5,000.00) Pesos incentive this year are Honorato Sabanal Bermas of barangay Del Rosario, Gordiana Orticio Madronero of Marifosque, Elizabeth Marmol Millevo from Palanas, Bienvenida Leop Guerrero from Pineda and Concepion Layon Laovenia of San Jose.

 

Senior Citizens to reach 95 and more is LGU-Pilar’s way of respecting their life-preservation practices and according them with assistance that the government can provide is apparently, sharing the government’s profound appreciation that calls for emulation. (by Ma. Annie L. Perete,PIO)