Her grandchildren look forward to eating well during Christmas noche buena tomorrow with the P3,000 that Ma. Dulce Ponce brought home Monday.
Ponce, an 86-year-old widow, showed up at Cebu City Hall to collect her cash benefit as a senior citizen.
Ponce said the release came just in time as the family prepares for the Christmas celebration by buying groceries and food. She lives in the household of her only son.
“Ipalit nako para tambal sa akong tuhod kay naa naman koy arthritis. Ako sad na ipalit ug MX3. Maayo na lang sad na ihatag para sa akong mga apo inag pasko ug para tabang sa akong anak sa hikay (I’ll use the money to buy medicine for my arthritic knees. I’ll also buy food supplements. It’s good that I can also buy something for my grandchildren and help my son prepare for the Christmas meal),” she said.
Better than nothing
Dressed in slacks, orange thong slippers and a printed blouse, Ponce appeared in good health.
She said she had no serious ailment except for sore knees from arthritis now and then.
She didn’t wear glasses and walked unaided. Her two teenage granddaughters and a great grandson stayed by her side, affectionately holding on to her arms.
The widow didn’t complain about the unreleased balance of P2,000 in city aid, which will come next month yet.
“Maayo ra gihapon kay nakadawat ra ko. Okay na na. Maayo na lang na kaysa sa uban nga wala (It’s still good since I was able to get my share. It’s okay. This is better than not receiving any assistance),” she told Cebu Daily News.
The family went to City Hall instead of the barangay hall since they were unable to reach the 12 noon cut off time for distribution in barangay Tisa.
Ponce said she receives contributions from her children and a P1,490 monthly pension from the government since her late husband used to work with the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Ponce and her family have been living in Cebu City since 1951. Their hometown is Sibonga, south Cebu, where they visit relatives.