Cebu City senior citizens rush to replace IDs

CEBU, Philippines — Hundreds of senior citizens in Cebu City trooped to the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) to get a new ID even if it wasn’t necessary.

The city’s Public Information Office reported that over 700 seniors went to OSCA to have their IDs replaced. This after unverified information circulated online concerning the issuance of a new ID for seniors.

Many seniors seemingly panicked, especially as the distribution of their financial assistance from the city government is already scheduled for release this September 7 in their respective barangays.

However, OSCA reminded everyone that the issuance of a new ID doesn’t cover everyone.

This clarification was made by OSCA’s administrative officer Reynaldo Abesia, who said that only IDs that are scanned, faded, or unclear are to be replaced.

“Katong mga dilapidated na, di na maklaro ang mga number, ang ilang mga signature di na maklaro, ug kato pud ilang mga nawong hanap na kaayo. Kay ang tan-awon during sa distribution ang ilang ID if original ba na,” Abesia said.

“Inigkahuman og tan-aw sa DO (disbursing officer), tan-awon baya iyang nawong siya ba na. Human inig pirma tan-awon pa g’yud ang signature. Kanang signature, nawong sa ID, dili na gani na makita kaayo, mao na mo-ingon na sila ipausab sa ni sa OSCA,” Abesia added.

Abesia also advised that in claiming their financial assistance, senior citizens should bring their original IDs from OSCA and not photocopies to avoid any delays.

Each qualified seniors will get ?3,000 each in the upcoming distribution. This covers the month of July to September. — (FREEMAN)