BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 15 -- The Surigao City government distributed PHP3.02 million in cash gifts for 302 senior citizens Monday.

Each beneficiary aged 80, 85, 90, and 95 received PHP10,000 under the Expanded Centenarians Act of 2023. Vice Mayor Alfonso Casurra led the distribution with national and local senior citizen agencies.

"I am deeply grateful to the government for this cash gift. At my age, every support means a lot," 90-year-old Asterio Arpilleda, who will use the funds for maintenance medicines, said.

Another beneficiary, 85-year-old Evenly Casurra, thanked the government for remembering the needs of senior citizens.

City officials said the activity underscores their commitment to promoting the welfare and dignity of elders.

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