Cordillera Administrative Region- The Department of Social Welfare and Development here reiterates that only indigent senior citizens based on its validation are eligible to receive the Social   Pension Program. 

The Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens refers to the monthly stipend amounting to P500 to augment the daily subsistence and other medical needs of indigent senior citizens. 

The Social Pension Program in mandated by Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 which provides the benefits entitled for the Filipino Senior Citizens.  

“In the Cordillera Region, we are targeting to serve around 85,048 indigent senior citizens. Of which, 72,290 have been found out to be eligible to receive the assistance after the validation that the Field Office has conducted.” OIC-Regional Director Leo L. Qintilla shared. 

The data is as of July 1, 2019.  

Earlier this year, DSWD-CAR conducted its one on one validation to the senior citizens. The result of the validation was then forwarded to the DSWD Central Office for cross-matching with other pension-providing institutions such as the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO).

This is inconsonance with the law which states that seniors qualified to receive social pension are those who are frail, sickly or with disability; without any pension from other government agencies; and without a permanent source of income or source of financial assistance/compensation to support their basic needs.

“As much as we want to cater to all senior citizens, we have to strictly implement the guidelines of the Social Pension Program. We have to delist pensioners who have received the stipend before but are found out to be ineligible due to existence of other pension, regular source of income, or capability of their family members to provide for their needs.” Director Quintilla shared.

“The Regional Program Management Office of the Social Pension Program is open to any feedback or report from our stakeholders. You can directly approach our Project Development Officers on field for your concerns.” Protective Division OIC-Chief Amelyn P. Cabrera said.

Concerns on the Social Pension Program may also be directed to the Field Office at # 40 North Drive, Baguio City or through (074) 661 0430 or www.facebook.com/dswdfocar. 

The DSWD is still looking into the remaining senior citizens for validation and possible inclusion in the Program. The said senior citizens will receive the 2nd quarter grant amounting to Php 1,500.00. 

The DSWD-CAR is currently conducting series of onsite payouts for the release of the grants of the Social Pensioners for April to June 2019 #DSWD-CAR, NERIZZA FAYE G. VILLANUEVA