No cake? Birthday gifts eyed for Manila seniors

Senior citizens in Manila may receive starting next year a “modest” birthday gift from the city government although those hoping for a cake will be disappointed.

Under Draft Ordinance 7540 authored by Councilor Edward Maceda of the fourth district, “all senior citizens or [the] elderly shall be granted a yearly birthday gift in the amount of P300, to be given in cash or in kind or a combination thereof.”

The city council is expected to approve the measure on third reading next week. Deliberations are still ongoing on what the birthday gift will be although the proponents are leaning toward a bag of groceries or a gift check instead of a cake.

The city government is expected to allocate P30 million for the implementation of the ordinance which is expected to benefit around 100,000 senior citizens in Manila.

According to Maceda, the ordinance aims to show appreciation for senior citizens in light of their contribution to the society, particularly in raising the next generation.

“There are more or less 100,000 senior citizens in the City of Manila and sometimes, I believe they are forgotten. This ordinance will hopefully give importance and recognition to senior citizens,” he said in an interview.

Maceda noted that while P300 might seem a small amount, it was certainly something that the elderly would appreciate.

“The City of Manila cannot give them [a lot] at present because we are still paying off our debts,” he said. “When I explained this to senior citizens during consultations, they still welcomed it and were appreciative of the gesture. They said that, at least, [we have a gift for them].”

Maceda noted that should there be an improvement in the city government’s fiscal standing, they might raise the amount for the birthday gifts.

“What is important is that we have set the policy that will be followed in the future,” he added. “I have filed this ordinance in the past and it always didn’t get enacted apparently because of lack of funds. Now, Mayor Joseph Estrada has committed to signing the ordinance and allocating an initial budget for it.”

The ordinance will take effect at the start of next year. The Offices of the City Treasurer, Senior Citizens Affairs and Manila Department of Social Welfare are expected to draft implementing rules and regulations before the ordinance takes effect.

“One of the issues that will be discussed is what gifts to give to the senior citizens. There might be issues if we give out cash. So we’ll look at other tokens such as gift certificates. But the government is currently leaning toward giving groceries,” Maceda said.

While this is the first time that Manila will give a birthday gift to senior citizens, there are other benefits they enjoy, including free movies in all malls in the city every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and free hospitalization in the city’s six public hospitals.