Mayor Khymer Olaso Friday, June 5, partners with Land Bank of the Philippines to automate the release of cash assistance/ allowances or incentives, initially for senior citizens and later to students, indigents and other individuals from other sectors who are eligible.

Olaso together with Land Bank-Zamboanga Branch head Ruby Rose Estipona spearheaded the forging of the memorandum of agreement at the PIO media room with City Social Welfare and Development Officer Socorro Rojas, Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Mayor Celso Lobregat, Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) head Roberto Arseña and LBP Acting Branh Operations Officer Vicente Obonga as witnesses.

Championing this digital transformation, Mayor Olaso said the initiative is a fulfillment of a promise he made during the 2025 campaign period. He emphasized that utilizing automated teller machines will ensure that the assistance reach the senior citizens faster and more securely without some city officials politicizing the same.

Land Bank of the Philippines – Zamboanga Branch Head Ruby Rose Estipona thanked Mayor Olaso and the city government for adopting the agreement stressing that the PISO account ensures recipients easier, safe and more convenient access to their benefits.

The Land Bank PISO Account (Perang Inimpok Savings Option) is a basic deposit account designed for first-time savers, students, and unbanked sectors. It allows the opening of an account with only ₱1.00 and maintaining balance of same amount.

To start the opening of the accounts, the senior citizens will undergo an orientation to be conducted by the Land Bank and the CSWDO.

The city has on its record more or less 80k senior citizens but the PISO account will be pilot tested in one barangay and later expand to the other barangays.

The signing of the MOA was approved and authorized by the Sangguniang Panlungsod through Resolution No. 1065 approved last May 5, 2026. (Sheila Covarrubias) (photo credits: Albert Atilano)