Gasataya Doubles Senior Leaders’ Allowance, Completes Senior Citizen Center

Bacolod Coty Mayor Greg Gasataya has doubled the monthly allowance of senior citizen association presidents from ₱500 to ₱1,000 and fulfilled his commitment to establish a dedicated Senior Citizen Center, which has now been completed following his first executive order upon assuming office.

The development was highlighted May 26, as 80 presidents of senior citizen associations from 61 barangays, under the Federation of Senior Citizens Associations of Bacolod (FSCAB), paid a courtesy call on the mayor and received their quarterly allowance.

Under the new policy, each association president now receives ₱1,000 per month, or ₱3,000 per quarter—double the previous ₱500 monthly allowance.

The initiative reflects Mayor Gasataya’s strengthened commitment to supporting senior citizens and recognizing their important role in community leadership.

Gasataya also announced the completion of the Senior Citizen Center, a project he prioritized through Executive Order No. 1 issued on his first day in office. Final preparations are now underway before the facility becomes fully operational.

“I personally ensured that our Senior Citizen Center would be completed as a space worthy of our seniors,” Gasataya said.

Once operational, the center will serve as a one-stop hub for senior citizens, housing the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) and providing essential medical and social services.

“Beyond administrative support, we are preparing a pharmacy, a dental clinic, and an eye clinic that will offer free check-ups and medicines in partnership with our City Health Office,” he added.

Gasataya also said the City Cooperative and Livelihood Development Office, in coordination with the Tourism Office, will implement livelihood training, skills development, and recreational programs for senior citizens.

FSCAB President Teresita Espuerta, who led the delegation representing around 12,000 senior citizens citywide, expressed gratitude for both the increased allowance and the completion of the center.

“We are deeply thankful to Mayor Greg Gasataya for doubling our allowance. This is a big help for us, especially now that medical expenses are very high,” Espuerta said. She also welcomed the completion of the facility.

“We are very thankful that the Senior Citizen Center is now completed. We look forward to its full operation, as this will greatly help our fellow senior citizens, especially those who already find it difficult to travel,” she added.

The initiative underscores the Bacolod City Government’s continuing efforts to promote the welfare, dignity, and active participation of senior citizens in community life.* (Bacolod City Communications Office text & photos)