Muntinlupa encourages senior citizens to register for benefits

Muntinlupa Mayor Aldrin San Pedro said the city government plans to register more senior citizens this year so that they can enjoy benefits including discounts on medicine and basic commodities.

As of 2009, there are 33,603 elderly registered by the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) in the city, according to the mayor.

“We will register more senior citizens so that they can enjoy privileges that are due them,” the mayor said.

Last year, the OSCA gave additional 6,034 senior citizens medicine booklets they can use to avail of discounts when buying medicine.

In addition, 4,514 were given agriculture booklets that give them 5-percent discount when buying agricultural products such as rice, meat, fish, poultry, vegetables and fruits.

Also, about 4,900 elderly were also given the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) booklets that can be used to avail of 5 percent discount when buying basic commodities including milk, coffee, bread and sugar.

The mayor said the city government has been providing medical services to senior citizens.

In 2009, the mayor said 1,425 elderly availed of free blood pressure checkup, 483 got free fasting blood sugar (FBS) test, and 655 were also given free medicine.

The mayor also gave 20 senior citizens free wheelchairs. Another 65 availed of free dental consultation, bone screening and ECG.

In addition, 149 elderly were given social case study reports which they used to enable them to get medical assistance from other institutions.

Also, 115 seniors 90 years old and above were granted a monthly pension of P500 per month and an additional four centenarians received a monthly pension of P1,000 from the city government.

Guys, let us all encourage our relatives so that they may also benefit from the city government. Although it sounds morbid, let us make them enjoy their remaining days here on Earth. — Editor