NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Seniors And PWDs Celebrate Anticipated P500 Monthly Boost In Grocery Discounts By March
Photo courtesy from PNA
In a promising development for the elderly and persons with disabilities (PWDs), Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez unveiled today that they are set to enjoy a substantial increase of P500 per month in discounts on groceries and prime commodities by the end of March. The announcement comes after a positive meeting between Speaker Romualdez and officials from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), led by Undersecretary Carolina Sanchez.
During the Tuesday night meeting, Usec. Sanchez informed Speaker Romualdez of the DTI's approval to his request for additional discounts for seniors and PWDs. The new initiative is expected to come into effect next month, providing crucial financial relief to these vulnerable groups amidst the rising cost of living.
Speaker Romualdez, expressing his delight, stated, "I am delighted to welcome the imminent implementation of increased discounts for our senior citizens and PWDs. This initiative to provide additional discounts for senior citizens and PWDs demonstrates the commitment of President Marcos to promoting inclusivity and social justice."
Previously advocating for a revision of the existing 5 percent weekly discount capped at P1,500, Speaker Romualdez emphasized the necessity of adjusting this policy to better align with the current economic landscape. The proposed increase from P65 to P125 per week would translate to a significant P500 monthly discount on groceries and premium items for seniors and PWDs.
Highlighting the proactive stance of the House of Representatives, Speaker Romualdez underscored the collaboration with President Marcos to build a more compassionate and equitable society. This positive news comes on the heels of President Marcos signing into law the Expanded Centenarian Act, offering a P10,000 cash gift to elderly citizens upon reaching 80 and every five years thereafter until the age of 95.
While the process of consultation with stakeholders is ongoing, Usec. Sanchez assured that the necessary inter-agency circular to implement the additional discount would likely be issued and take effect within March. The joint issuance involving the Department of Agriculture (DA), DTI, and the Department of Energy (DOE) will specifically cover basic goods and prime commodities.
Apart from daily consumables, the expanded discount will also extend to basic construction supplies and electrical items, excluding premium brands and non-essential food items like cakes and pastries. Usec. Sanchez emphasized that a comprehensive list of items covered by the discount would be published by the DTI after the issuance of the inter-agency circular.
Speaker Romualdez commended the dedication of the DTI and other concerned agencies for their efforts in advancing this crucial initiative. Their commitment reflects a shared vision of creating a more inclusive and caring nation, ensuring that the benefits of increased discounts reach those who need them the most.
During the Tuesday night meeting, Usec. Sanchez informed Speaker Romualdez of the DTI's approval to his request for additional discounts for seniors and PWDs. The new initiative is expected to come into effect next month, providing crucial financial relief to these vulnerable groups amidst the rising cost of living.
Speaker Romualdez, expressing his delight, stated, "I am delighted to welcome the imminent implementation of increased discounts for our senior citizens and PWDs. This initiative to provide additional discounts for senior citizens and PWDs demonstrates the commitment of President Marcos to promoting inclusivity and social justice."
Previously advocating for a revision of the existing 5 percent weekly discount capped at P1,500, Speaker Romualdez emphasized the necessity of adjusting this policy to better align with the current economic landscape. The proposed increase from P65 to P125 per week would translate to a significant P500 monthly discount on groceries and premium items for seniors and PWDs.
Highlighting the proactive stance of the House of Representatives, Speaker Romualdez underscored the collaboration with President Marcos to build a more compassionate and equitable society. This positive news comes on the heels of President Marcos signing into law the Expanded Centenarian Act, offering a P10,000 cash gift to elderly citizens upon reaching 80 and every five years thereafter until the age of 95.
While the process of consultation with stakeholders is ongoing, Usec. Sanchez assured that the necessary inter-agency circular to implement the additional discount would likely be issued and take effect within March. The joint issuance involving the Department of Agriculture (DA), DTI, and the Department of Energy (DOE) will specifically cover basic goods and prime commodities.
Apart from daily consumables, the expanded discount will also extend to basic construction supplies and electrical items, excluding premium brands and non-essential food items like cakes and pastries. Usec. Sanchez emphasized that a comprehensive list of items covered by the discount would be published by the DTI after the issuance of the inter-agency circular.
Speaker Romualdez commended the dedication of the DTI and other concerned agencies for their efforts in advancing this crucial initiative. Their commitment reflects a shared vision of creating a more inclusive and caring nation, ensuring that the benefits of increased discounts reach those who need them the most.
Mar 2, 2024
