First Lady leads DSWD payout for indigent seniors

MANILA, Philippines — First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos led the ceremonial payout by the Department of Social Welfare and Development of the increased social pension for indigent senior citizens yesterday at the DSWD’s central office in Batasan, Quezon City.

The payout for the first batch of beneficiaries also marked the 73rd founding anniversary of the DSWD. The pension has increased from P500 to P1,000 starting this month.

In her message, the First Lady commended social workers, saying they are “the heart and soul of the DSWD.”

She underscored the social workers’ role in the development, implementation and delivery of social protection and welfare services to the most vulnerable and marginalized sectors.

“Your empathy in action, integrity in service and unity in community are the guiding principles that make the DSWD an invaluable force for good in our nation,” Marcos said.“So, to all the seniors out there, you are in good hands with DSWD,” she said.In his speech, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian emphasized that the social pension payout for older persons is the Marcos administration’s way of recognizing the significant role of senior citizens in their respective families and in society as a whole.

“I know that many of you, despite your age, continue to put food on the table, persistently working to provide for the needs of your families,” he said.Gatchalian had expressed his gratitude to the elderly, underscoring that he is aware that many of the elderly are “the ones raising your grandchildren because your children are busy with work.”

“In Bagong Pilipinas, you can rest assured that our senior citizens are our priority. You will never be left behind. That is the commitment of our beloved President and our First Lady who is with us this morning,” he added.

In a chance interview, DSWD Undersecretary Romel Lopez said the agency is looking for funding to increase the number of beneficiaries of the social pension.

“We want to enroll more pensioners because now, there are only four million seniors covered and we want this increased. However, we need funds to do that,” Lopez added.

He pointed out, however, that there are some 400,000 elderly who are “waitlisted.”

Asked how the DSWD is able to check if a pensioner had already passed, the official said they have been working with the local government units on this.

Lopez said Gatchalian has been coordinating with lawmakers for the possible increase of the payout next year.

He added that aside from this, the DSWD is looking for ways to expand its other programs for indigent senior citizens, such as medical assistance.