In the first half of 2024, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) dedicated PHP1.33 billion to the social pension of indigent senior citizens in Eastern Visayas. This significant financial aid has positively impacted the lives of 223,187 elderly individuals living in poverty across six provinces within the region.
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P1.33 Billion Social Pension Disbursed
The beneficiaries of this social pension are spread across six provinces. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Province |
Number of Beneficiaries |
|---|---|
Biliran |
15,530 |
Leyte |
101,203 |
Southern Leyte |
29,950 |
Samar |
35,998 |
Eastern Samar |
20,560 |
Northern Samar |
19,946 |
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) foresees a rise in the number of beneficiaries as they await the complete data from 17 towns that have concluded the distribution of social pensions. The distribution process is still ongoing in five towns within Samar and Northern Samar provinces.
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Insights into Fund Allocation
The allocated PHP1.33 billion constitutes 76.56 per cent of the total PHP1.77 billion earmarked for the first six months of the year. The funds allocated for the beneficiaries are transferred and disbursed by the local government units every six months.
This method has been identified as the most feasible and efficient delivery scheme for the distribution of the social pension in the region, ensuring a streamlined and cost-effective program implementation.
Preparations for Future Implementation
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office, in collaboration with the local government units, is making preparations for the implementation of the social pension program in the latter part of 2024. This program aims to provide financial assistance to eligible senior citizens, contributing to their well-being and livelihood.
Details of Pension Stipend
As mandated by Republic Act 11916 or “An Act Increasing the Social Pension of Senior Citizens,” senior citizens enrolled in the social pension program are eligible to receive a monthly stipend of PHP1,000 for the current year. Enacted in July 2022, this legislation effectively doubles the monthly pension for senior citizens from the previous amount of PHP500. This significant increase aims to provide better support and financial security to the elderly population of the country.
Criteria for Eligibility
To be eligible for this program, recipients must meet the following criteria:
- Age Requirement: The individual must be at least 60 years old. This age requirement aligns with the general definition of ‘senior citizen’ and ensures that the program’s benefits are targeted towards the elderly population, who often have limited means of income.
- Health Condition: The potential beneficiary should be in a frail or sickly condition. This criterion is in place because individuals who are frail or have health issues often have higher medical costs and may not be able to work, making them more in need of financial assistance.
- No Other Government Pensions: The individual should not be receiving pensions from other government sources. This includes pensions from the Government Service Insurance System, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, Social Security System, and private insurance companies. This requirement ensures that the social pension program benefits those who have no other means of regular income from pension systems. It helps to prioritize the distribution of resources to those who need it most.
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