Hundreds of senior citizens and persons with disabilities in Mangaldan, Pangasinan lined up early morning on Thursday, November 27, 2025, to receive financial assistance, relief many say will help them manage daily expenses.

At the covered court in Barangay Malabago, beneficiaries patiently queued for the cash distribution, which prioritized senior citizens and PWDs in the community.

“Malaki na rin kasi ‘yung 200 pesos. Ok lang naman. Pangbili nila ng bigas saka pang-ulam na rin,” Barangay Chairperson Myla Muyargas said.

Among those in line was 76-year-old Francisca Ramirez, who said the assistance helps lighten the burden for families still recovering from recent hardships.

“Sa pangangailangan ng buhay lalo na sa mga may mga batang nag-aaral,” she said.

Also present was Cristine Flores, who claimed the aid on behalf of her sibling with a disability. She said the amount, though modest, still matters.

“At least po malaking tulong kahit papaano. Kasi ‘yung diaper niya pang-adult kaya mahal. Three times or four times a day ang diaper niya,” Flores shared.

Barangay officials clarified that each beneficiary is entitled to only one cash assistance, even for seniors who are also classified as PWDs, to ensure fair distribution.

Nearly 700 seniors and PWDs received the financial support during the activity. The local government said it will continue visiting other barangays in the coming days to extend the same program.