Bacolod Starts Roll Out of 10-Kilo Rice Aid for 1,712 Senior Citizens

Mayor Greg Gasataya led the distribution of 10 kilos of rice to qualified senior citizens, with the initial rollout conducted today in Barangay Sum-ag and Cabug, benefiting over 1,712 elderly residents.

The initiative is part of the national government program, “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Bayan Makikinabang,” and is being implemented by the city to support senior citizens aged 65 and above who are not currently receiving any social pension from either local or national programs.

Among the beneficiaries, Suzan Magante, 63, of Purok San Antonio, Barangay Sum-ag, claimed the rice assistance on behalf of her husband, Rodolfo Magante, 69, who is suffering from asthma.

“This is a really big help to our family, especially when we learned that we will be receiving a total of 40 kilos. We are very thankful to President Bongbong Marcos and Mayor Greg for this,” Magante said.

Another beneficiary, Pablito Dringquez, 75, also personally expressed his gratitude to Mayor Gasataya, not only for the rice assistance but for the opportunities extended to his family. Dringquez shared that through the mayor’s CHED scholarship program, his child was able to graduate as Summa Cum Laude with a degree in BS Psychology from the University of Negros Occidental–Recoletos (UNO-R) and is now employed at Megaworld.

Mayor Gasataya was accompanied by city officials and barangay officials during the distribution, ensuring the orderly and efficient release of rice assistance to beneficiaries.

“We are thankful to the national government and to everyone who helped make this possible, especially President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and the Department of the Interior and Local Government,” Gasataya said.

The mayor also highlighted the gap in social pension coverage among senior citizens in Bacolod.

“Every year, around ₱100 million is allocated for social pension. However, out of the estimated 94,000 senior citizens in Bacolod, only about 20,000 are currently receiving social pension. This is the reason why we decided to provide rice assistance to those who are not covered,” he added. The rice assistance will be distributed over a period of six months starting this July, providing sustained support to help ease the daily expenses of elderly beneficiaries.

The mayor also encouraged senior citizens to take advantage of the services offered at the city’s newly established Senior Citizens Center, which aims to provide accessible programs and support tailored for the elderly.

The city government is set to continue the distribution in other barangays in the coming days as part of the full implementation of the program.* (Bacolod City Communications Office text & photos)