CEBU, Philippines - About 13,000 senior citizens in Central Visayas are expected to receive their monthly stipend of P500 from the government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Social Pension Program.
DSWD-7 director Maria Evelyn Macapobre said providing senior citizens with a monthly pension helps increase their access to social services especially that many of them are living with and sharing resources with younger family members.
Under Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, the cash assistance will form part of the benefits and privileges for senior citizens as stipulated under Section 1 of Article 20 to augment their daily subsistence.
Senior citizens who are receiving pension from GSIS, SSS or AFPMBAI and other private insurance companies and those with permanent support from his or her relatives are not entitled to the monthly stipend.
The program, which was launched last April 29 in the municipality of Cordova, is being implemented by the DSWD nationwide. (FREEMAN)