MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released nearly P50 billion in social pension for more than four million senior citizens in the country.
In a statement, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the DBM has freed a P49.81-billion allocation for the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens program under this year’s budget.
The amount was released to the Department of Social Welfare and Development to cover the monthly allowance of indigent senior citizens nationwide.
This year’s budget for the program is almost double compared to the P25.3 billion allotted last year.
The program aims to improve the well-being of qualified indigent senior citizens by supplementing their daily living and medical requirements.
Under the law, beneficiaries shall receive an enhanced monthly stipend of P1,000 starting this year.
The amount is double their monthly pension of P500 when the law was implemented in 2022.
Eligible for the assistance are those 60 years old and above, frail and sickly and without pension from other government sources such as the Government Service Insurance System, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, Social Security System and private insurance companies.
Senior citizens should have no regular source of income or support from family and relatives to cover their basic needs.