LEGAZPI CITY – More than 600 nonagenarians from 15 towns and three cities in Albay province received financial assistance and health and social services during the first Nonagenarian Fair at Albay Astrodome here Friday.
The fair under the program “Boulders para sa Albayano Elders” was funded with more than PHP8 million from the December 2024 quarry revenues.

Citizens aged 90 to 94 received PHP10,000, while those aged 95 to 99 received PHP20,000.

In an interview, Crisologo Romero, a 91-year-old beneficiary from Oas town, thanked the provincial government.

"This is a great help for me. I hope it will continue and increase," Romero said, adding that he would use the money to pay off debts.

He shared that the key to good health and long life is exercise and self-discipline.

"When you say it's not allowed, be careful. I always ride a bike so that my veins can move more. It's my way of exercise," he added.

Angelique Sarte, daughter-in-law of Caridad Sarte, a 99-year-old beneficiary from Polangui, said they would use the cash incentive for maintenance medicined.

“This aid is a great help. She is really health conscious. She no longer eats meat or salty food. My mom is more into vegetables and fruits. She also drinks milk. We will buy the assistance with her needs,” Sarte said.

Imelda Sevilla, head of the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs in Libon, said the activity gave the elderly the opportunity to socialize and made them feel important.

In a separate interview, Albay Acting Governor Glenda Ong-Bongao said funding for the next wave of assistance will be sourced from the January 2025 quarry revenues worth PHP14 million.

Aside from financial aid, the provincial government provided free medical checkups, massages, haircuts, and manicure and pedicure services.

“Para dai ma bore and maging worth while for the nonagenarian ang pag luwas sa harong kasi makamunduon man na madigdi lang sinda na makuwa tapos mauli na so igwa kitang medical mission (We have a medical mission in place so that the nonagenarians won’t get bored and their trip away from home will be worthwhile)," Bongao said. (with reports from Angelica Serrano and Alyana Amdor, OJTs/PNA)