Senior citizens in the City of Manila will soon receive birthday cash gifts instead of the traditional birthday cakes, Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan announced.
Mayor Lacuna-Pangan revealed that she, along with Vice Mayor Yul Servo, is currently working on amending the existing city ordinance to support the shift from cakes to cash gifts.
The mayor explained that many elderly residents can no longer enjoy sugary treats due to health concerns such as diabetes and other age-related conditions.
During a recent “Kalinga sa Maynila” meeting at the San Andres Sports Complex.
She directly consulted senior citizens in attendance on the matter.
When asked whether they would prefer receiving a birthday cake or a cash gift, the response was overwhelmingly in favor of the latter.
The decision also came amid reports that birthday cakes distributed under the previous administration were allegedly overpriced — a matter the city is currently reviewing.
This move, she added, is in line with the city’s ongoing efforts to better serve its elderly population.
It will complement the recently doubled monthly allowance for senior citizens — from P500 to P1, 000 — through an ordinance signed into law last year under her leadership.
Despite the city's financial challenges, she affirmed her administration’s commitment to ensuring that the city’s senior citizens are prioritized and well-supported.