Albay allocates P8-M financial aid to 608 nonagenarians

By Rhaydz B. Barcia

FOR the first time in Albay’s history, the provincial government has allocated P8 million in financial aid to 608 nonagenarians from 15 towns and one city. The funding comes from the province’s quarry revenue under the program dubbed “Boulders para sa Albayano Elders.”

Acting Albay Governor Baby Glenda Ong-Bongao initiated this financial aid program to support nonagenarians, ensuring that the high revenue from quarrying benefits Albayanos.

This marks the first time the provincial government has implemented financial assistance for nonagenarians using quarry revenue.

Under the “Boulders para sa Albayano Elders” program, beneficiaries aged 90-94 received P10,000 each, while those aged 95-99 were given P20,000.

“I utilized the quarry revenue from December 2024, where the provincial government generated P9 million,” Bongao told Bicol Mail.

Based on the revenue-sharing scheme, the provincial government receives 30%, local government units (LGUs) get another 30%, and barangays receive 40%.

Bongao said the distribution of financial aid took place at the Albay Astrodome on Friday, in accordance with a provincial ordinance authored by Board Member Rolly Rosal.

The ordinance was originally proposed by Board Member Pem Imperial in 2022 but was not implemented after he lost in the election. It was later reintroduced by Rosal following his re-election for his last term.

A total of 608 nonagenarians benefited from the program—392 aged 90-94 and 216 aged 95-99. Free haircuts, massages, manicures, pedicures, medical check-ups, and other healthcare services were also provided.

Bongao stated that bedridden nonagenarians will receive financial aid delivered to their homes.

“This January 2025, we generated even higher quarry revenue, reaching P14 million—an increase of P6 million from the P9 million recorded in December 2024,” Bongao said.

The provincial government also plans to implement other programs, including:

“Graba para sa Eskwela” (Gravel for Schools): A scholarship program providing educational assistance to deserving college students from solo-parent households.

“Basud para sa Salud” (Sand for Health): A medical assistance program designed to support low-income Albayanos.

“Baybay para sa Kabuhayan” (Shoreline for Livelihood): A livelihood initiative aimed at helping marginalized sectors establish sustainable income sources.

“Boulders para sa Albayano Elders” (Boulders for Albayano Elders): A financial assistance program for nonagenarians.

Bongao added that solo parents with college students will receive P4,000 in financial aid.

She also reported an increase in quarry revenues since assuming office in October 2024. In her first 100-day Ulat sa Albay, she highlighted the P9 million revenue from quarry operations in December 2024.

“We envision that through honest and transparent quarry revenue collection, we can redirect these funds to benefit Albayanos,” Bongao told Bicol Mail.

To further regulate the industry, Bongao issued Executive Order No. 58, 2024, establishing the Albay Mining Regulatory Board led by Dir. Guillermo Molina III of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB).

Molina, along with various stakeholders, strictly oversees quarry operations, concessionaire applications, and related concerns. The board enforces stricter quarrying regulations to protect the environment and curb illegal operations, ensuring that actual income is generated from the aggregates ejected by Mayon Volcano.