The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Cordillera reached out to more than 100,000 senior citizens for the distribution of social pension.
As of September, the DSWD reached out to 110,288 elders for the second semester payout, covering July to December of the Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens. Beneficiaries of the program are receiving a monthly stipend of P500.
There are 23,634 beneficiaries in Abra; Apayao-11,220; Benguet-25,141; Baguio-6,219; Ifugao-16,131; Kalinga-7,031; and Mountain Province-10,912.
DSWD-Cordillera Director Leo L. Quintilla said the program symbolizes the commitment of the government to the comfort and security of the elders.
One of the beneficiaries, Elpedio Pang-os, 67-year-old resident of Pinminggan, Tuba, Benguet, expressed his gratitude to the Social Pension Program.
He said the stipend he received during his first payout enabled him to purchase two pieces of galvanized iron sheets, which he used to improve the roof of his nipa house.
Leonisa K. de la Cruz of Ligay, Camp 1, Tuba also thanked the agency for helping her sustain buying food supplements prescribed by her doctor as she battles bone diseases.
“I am thankful for this program as it continues to support us, senior citizens. What I received is essential for buying my cartilage medication,” she said.
The Social Pension Program stands as a testament to the government’s dedication to support the elders, in accordance with Republic Act 9994, otherwise known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.
The law mandates additional government assistance to empower indigent senior citizens with essential financial aid.
Republic Act 11916 or the “Act Increasing the Social Pension of Indigent Senior Citizens” is pending implementation. – Hazel Ann D. Buy-o
