SURIGAO CITY, Surigao Del Norte — Despite being a third class component city with an approved budget of ₱140.6 million the current year, Surigao City is granting addition cash benefits to nonagenarians in a new program to demonstrate its commitment to senior citizens and the elderly.

The Surigao City government launched its Milestone Program of Distinction (MPD) with the goal of providing a one-time ₱50,000 cash benefit to city residents aged 90 to 99.

Aligned with Republic Act No. 11982, also known as the Expanded Centenarians Act, the initiative under Ordinance No. 529-2024, the local legislation behind the MPD, earmarks the ₱50,000 financial assistance for each eligible nonagenarian residing in Surigao City.

The city's information office disclosed that 152 nonagenarians had been identified as potential beneficiaries of the additional cash award with 34 having been verified in the first quarter and 19 with necessary documentation to claim their benefits.

“This program is a recognition of the invaluable contributions and enduring legacies of our senior citizens who have played a vital role in shaping Surigao City,” the information office explained.

In an official notice, the city government announced that it is actively encouraging families of nonagenarians, who have not yet claimed the benefit, to contact the City Social Welfare and Development Office for assistance with the documentation process.