The Commission on Audit (COA) through Audit Team Leader Roberto B. Calub has commended the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-CAR) Field Office Cordillera for its compliance to the general provisions of the 2013 General Appropriations Act related to implementation of the Social Pension Program and the Regional Federation of Persons with Disabilities (RFWD) Plan of Action 2013.

In the Audit Observation Memorandum (AOM) No. 14-11 dated 9 June 2014, Calub acknowledged the efforts of the Department in promoting the welfare of the senior citizens and differently-abled individuals through the Social Pension Program. He further highlighted the close coordination of DSWD-CAR with the Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Senior Citizens (RIASC)-CAR for the observance of the National Elderly Filipino Week.

Calub also recognized the adherence of DSWD-CAR in the RFWD Action Plan which guided the Department’s activities for 2013.

These activities, according to Calub, shows the compliance of DSWD-CAR to Section 29 of the General Provisions of the 2013 General Appropriations Act stating that “All agencies of the government shall formulate plans, programs, and projects intended to address the concerns of senior citizens and differently- abled persons, insofar as it relates to their mandated functions, and integrate the same to their regular activities…..” .

On the other hand, DSWD-CAR Regional Director Janet P. Armas has expressed happiness over the recognition. “It is the mandate of the Department to provide services to the disadvantaged sectors such as the senior citizens and differently-abled individuals and it has been our commitment to ensure the excellence of the services that we deliver. This recognition does not only affirm that we are upholding our commitment, but it also serves as our inspiration to continue striving to improve our delivery further.”, Director Armas added.

A total of 9,453 indigent senior citizens were assisted through the Social Pension Program in 2013 with a total of Php 115,800,500 worth of grant distributed. A total of Php 171,112.50 was also allotted for the assistance to persons with disabilities and senior citizens in the same year. #DSWD-CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT