Financial assistance for vulnerable residents is being expanded in Mandaue City, with higher annual support for solo parents and senior citizens as the local government also considers stronger measures to address concerns over mendicancy.
Around 1,757 qualified solo parents are now set to receive P12,000 each annually, an increase from the previous P10,000 assistance. The second tranche may be released as early as next week, providing additional financial support to eligible beneficiaries.
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Solo Parents, Seniors Set for Higher Assistance
The increase for solo parents was among the social welfare matters discussed by the City Social Welfare Services Office (CSWSO) during a meeting with Mayor Thadeo Ouano on Sept. 10. CSWSO head Dr. Michael Pielago and Federation of Solo Parents Mandaue City Chapter Focal Person Pureza Tabuac attended the meeting, together with City Administrator Atty. Sally Malig-on Jr. and Executive Secretary Atty. Riczen Gingoyon.
Senior citizens are also receiving increased assistance under measures highlighted by Ouano during his State of the City Address on Aug. 28. The Mandaue City Council approved an ordinance raising the annual assistance to P11,000 in 2026 and P12,000 starting in 2027.
The same ordinance changes the payout schedule from April and December to June and November, allowing the assistance to be distributed in two tranches each year. For 2026, senior citizens are scheduled to receive the remaining P6,000 of the P11,000 annual assistance in November. The ordinance is awaiting the mayor’s signature before it takes effect, while the city has also reported the distribution of the second tranche to senior citizen beneficiaries.
Rep. Lolypop Ouano-Dizon visited beneficiaries at the Banilad Gym before proceeding to Tipolo Elementary School, where senior citizens received the second tranche from the city government. Board Member Atty. Olin Seno, City Councilors Fritz Villamor, Eugene Andaya, Ben Basiga, Atty. Carlo Fortuna, Ting Sol Cabahug, Anjong Ouano Icalina, and Kevin Cabahug, along with Tipolo barangay officials, also participated in the distribution.
Mandaue Reviews Response to Mendicancy
Alongside the expansion of financial assistance, city officials are examining how existing programs addressing mendicancy can be strengthened. Tabuac brought attention to the growing number of people begging or roaming around Mandaue, noting that the concern persists despite local government programs and measures already in place.
She said individuals engaged in mendicancy continue to return to the city even after authorities take action. In response, Ouano said he would bring the anti-mendicancy program before the City Council to consider measures that could strengthen its implementation and improve its effectiveness.
The mayor also acknowledged the CSWSO’s continuing role in delivering city government services and expanding access to social welfare programs, particularly for solo parents.
The combination of higher assistance and a review of mendicancy measures reflects two connected challenges for Mandaue: providing more direct support to residents who qualify for government aid while addressing social concerns in public spaces. How effectively these programs are implemented will matter at the community level, where financial assistance can help households manage daily costs while social welfare interventions shape how the city responds to people in vulnerable situations.
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