By Brian Jules Campued
Senior citizens and persons with disability (PWDs) will be able to enjoy a total of P500 monthly discount in groceries and other prime commodities next month, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez announced Wednesday.
Romualdez said in a statement that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) could grant the additional discounts for the elderly and PWDs by March from the current P260 per month.
“We’re working so that the usual P65 per week discount for senior citizens and PWDs may be increased to P125,” DTI Undersecretary Carolina Sanchez said.
Sanchez added that the DTI, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Energy will release a joint issuance regarding the additional discount while the DTI will also publish a comprehensive list of the items to guide the public and the affected merchants.
The discounts cover only the “typical items consumed daily” including rice, corn, bread, meat, fish, chicken, eggs, cooking oil, sugar, vegetables, fruits, onions, garlic, as well as fresh and processed milk, except medical grade milk.
Also covered by discounts are manufactured goods–processed meat, sardines, and corned beef–and basic construction and electrical supplies such as cement, hollow blocks, and light bulbs.
However, premium items, including non-essential food such as cakes and pastries, are exempted from the additional discount, according to Sanchez.
Meanwhile, Romualdez lauded the DTI and other concerned agencies for ensuring the timely implementation of the discount hike as it “reflects our shared vision of a more inclusive and caring nation.”
The Leyte 1st District Representative also noted that in addition to the aforementioned discount, the elderly will also benefit from the Republic Act No. 11982 or Expanded Centenarian Act granting P10,000 cash incentive to senior citizens when they reach 80 years old and every five years thereafter until 95.
“This initiative to provide additional discounts for senior citizens and PWDs demonstrates the commitment of President Marcos to promoting inclusivity and social justice,” he added. – avds
