The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod has approved a resolution requesting Mayor Greg Gasataya to implement the social pension for persons with disability (PWDs), as mandated by City Ordinance 1010-2022, or the Bacolod Social Pension for Seniors and PWDs Ordinance.
The resolution was principally authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito, chairperson of the SP Committee on PWD Affairs, and co-authored by councilors Celia Flor and Em Ang, in support of expanding the implementation to include PWDs, who are equally identified as beneficiaries under the law.
City Ordinance 1010, authored by Flor, provides a P500 monthly financial assistance to qualified indigent senior citizens and PWDs who do not receive any contributory pension from GSIS, SSS, PVAO, or DSWD; have no permanent source of income or support from family; and are registered voters and residents of Bacolod for at least one year.
Distrito, in a statement July 31, stressed the need to ensure equity in the ordinance’s implementation. “The City has already rolled out the social pension for our senior citizens in 2024 and this year. It is now imperative that the same support be extended to qualified PWDs, who were also clearly identified as beneficiaries of the ordinance. This is a matter of both fairness and compassion.”
Flor, author of the landmark social pension ordinance, said the full implementation is a vital step toward inclusive social protection. “This ordinance was passed to provide direct relief to two of our most vulnerable sectors—seniors and PWDs. Both deserve our government’s full attention and support.”
Ang added her support, highlighting the broader vision of the local government for social equity. “We must ensure that no vulnerable sector is left behind. This is part of our continuing commitment to a caring, inclusive, and people-centered governance.” ||
