DSWD Implements New Payment Scheme For Social Pension

Lola Julita Plarisan, 84 years old, Lolo Celestino Vaflor, 85 years old and Lolo Emiliano Masayon, 96 years old, of Barangay Sto. Nino, Toledo City were all happy when they received the government’s social pension implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development through door-to-door delivery.

Social pension refers to the monthly stipend of Php 500 to indigent senior citizen.

Beginning this pay-out for the third quarter, social pensioners receive the money right at their door steps.

“Dako akong kalipay nga gihatod na gyud sa balay ang hinabang sa goberno. Kining hanap na akong panan-aw, maglisod na gyud kog lakaw (I am happy that my social pension is now delivered in the house. My eyes cannot clearly see now, it would be hard for me to go out),” says Lolo Emiliano.

Lolo Celestino, who at 85 years old still tend the farm as tenant-farmer, also expressed elation of the new payment scheme. “Gawas nga lisod na para kanako nga tigulang na, di na usab kami mogasto sa pamasahe paglugsong sa syudad aron mokuha sa kwarta (I am happy that our pension is now delivered door-to-door because it is already hard for me to go down to the city and I do not have to spend for the fare anymore), “said Lolo Celestino.

Lola Julita, 84, said the new scheme helps her a lot because she has been on medication will no longer have to travel to the city.

The social pension for indigent senior citizens is given every quarter. It aims to augment the capacity of indigent senior citizens to meet their daily subsistence and medical needs, reduce the incidence of hunger and protect them from neglect, abuse or deprivation.

The social pension is given to 60 years old and above who are frail, sick or with disability and without pension from the GSIS, SSS or AFPMBAI and other private insurance company, no permanent source of income or regular support from relatives to meet their basic needs.

At present, Region VII has a total of 57,567 senior citizens who are receiving the stipend of Php 500 per month or Php 1,500 per quarter.