Philippines, Feb. 10 -- An additional 2,800 qualified senior citizens in this highly-urbanized city are expected receive social pension from the local government unit this year after the approval of additional funds.

Data on Monday showed there are 8,333 senior citizens who benefited from the cash assistance since the ordinance granting the pension was approved in the last quarter of 2022.

In an interview, Councilor Celia Flor, chairperson of the City Council committee on senior citizens and veteran affairs, said an additional PHP15 million was added to the previous year's PHP50-million budget upon the request of Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez.

"This year, it's now PHP65 million. We can add at least 2,800 beneficiaries. From 8,333, it ...