Taguig, Muntinlupa expand social assistance for vulnerable sectors

Two cities in southern Metro Manila have rolled out new and strengthened social welfare programs aimed at supporting persons with disability (PWDs) and senior citizens as part of their expanded efforts towards inclusive and compassionate governance.

In Taguig City, the local government has begun the house-to-house distribution of its Special Needs Assistance Program, providing an additional P2,000 cash aid to 35,522 registered persons with disability across the city.

The initiative, anchored on Ordinance No. 194, grants PWDs P1,000 in July and another P1,000 in December, along with a P1,000 birthday cash gift — bringing total annual assistance to P3,000 per beneficiary.

Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano was joined by City Councilors Ed Prado and Bing Villamor in leading the ceremonial distribution on Oct. 7 in Barangay South Signal, along with the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) and City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).

“Masayang-masaya po tayo ngayong araw na ito, truly a blessing for the City of Taguig,” Cayetano said. 

(We are very happy for this day, truly a blessing for the City of Taguig.)

"I thank the Lord for His blessings, and our taxpayers and citizens who make these programs possible.”

Among the first recipients was Nicasio Baes Jr., represented by his wife Merly, who said the financial help would ease their daily struggles.

“Malaking tulong sa kanya dahil marami siyang mga pangangailangan. Malaking halaga ‘yung ganitong programa ni Mayor,” she said.

(It’s a big help because he has many needs. This program of the Mayor means a lot to us.)

The Special Needs Assistance Program seeks to promote inclusion and economic participation among persons with disability, in line with Taguig’s vision of being a "Transformative, Lively, and Caring City."

Meanwhile, Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon personally launched RIDEMed or Responsive Integrated Delivery of Essential Medicines — a free medicine delivery service for bedridden seniors and those aged 80 and above.

Donning a helmet and carrying a RIDEMed pack, Biazon joined city health workers on motorcycles in delivering maintenance medicines directly to the homes of elderly beneficiaries.

“RIDEMed is about reaching those who need us most,” Biazon said. 

"We want our seniors to feel cared for, not just through medicine, but through presence, respect, and consistency.”

Under RIDEMed, qualified seniors receive monthly maintenance medicines such as losartan, amlodipine, metformin, atorvastatin, and vitamin B complex. 

Deliveries are handled by Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) and RIDEMed riders, who also conduct basic health checks including blood pressure and oxygen monitoring.

The initiative aims to ease the burden of travel and long queues for bedridden seniors and ensure uninterrupted access to their medication. Registration is open at all barangay health centers, with caregivers allowed to enroll on behalf of qualified seniors. 

Those not eligible for RIDEMEd may still avail of free medicines under the “Love Ko si Lolo, Love Ko si Lola”program.

Both the Taguig’s Special Needs Assistance and Muntinlupa’s RIDEMed highlight local efforts to strengthen social protection systems and deliver services directly to the city’s most vulnerable residents. — JMA, GMA Integrated News