Seniors, PWDs get 5% more discount on basic necessities

By Sally Altea

LEGAZPI CITY --- Senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) are eligible for an additional 5 percent discount on their in-store and online purchases of basic commodities, on top of the existing 20 percent discount.

Speaking at the Ugnayan sa PIA Albay, Consumer Protection Division Head Ma. Lourdes Pasobillo said “the special discount for seniors and PWDs on the purchase of basic commodities and prime necessities (BNPC) is separate and distinct from the 20 percent discount.”

The additional discount is covered by a joint administrative order of the DTI, Department of Agriculture (DA), and Department of Energy (DOE), which has increased the special discount from P65 to P125 a week.

“The total amount of special discount on their BNPC purchase shall not exceed P125 per week for a total maximum amount of P2,500. The unused discount will not be carried over to the next weeks,” Pasobillo said.

Expanded goods coverage

“In a joint order, the BNPC has included agricultural, construction, electrical, and educational supplies for discounts.

For essential items, individuals can avail a discount on the purchase of liquefied petroleum gas once every five months, with a maximum of two liters of kerosene per month.

The discount can also be used for purchasing fertilizers, feeds, veterinary products, and batteries.

For BNPC promos and discounts, PWDs can choose between the establishment’s offered discount or the 5 percent discount, whichever is higher and more favorable.

Establishments and cooperatives registered under the Barangay Micro Business Enterprise and Cooperative Development Authority are exempted from giving the discount.

Fe Atento, a 68-year-old senior citizen from Legazpi City, mentioned that the added discount is a big help, especially considering the increasing prices of basic necessities.

“The prices are constantly rising these days. It’s useful that other basic needs such as vegetables, fruits, and even fertilizers are now included in the discount,” Atento said.

Janet Lucido, a caretaker of her 64-year-old mother, also found the added discount to be beneficial in providing for her mother’s needs.

“It’s great that senior citizens have access to this discount. It can be used when buying her milk. It’s a big help, especially since my parents are also poor and rely solely on coconuts (copra) as a source of livelihood,” she said.

Evelyn Ansano also found the discount to be a significant help for her unemployed senior parents.

The list of other BNPC is listed at the DTI website here: https://rb.gy/sky4oj. (With reports from Raiza Lucido/PIA5/Albay)