Elderly in Cordova receive pension

CEBU, Philippines - Fourteen senior citizens aged 77 years old and above received yesterday P1,500 each representing their monthly pension for January, February, and March.

The pension was handed to the elderly during the launch of the government's Social Pension Program for indigent senior citizens in the town.

Officials of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Central Visayas and local officials of Cordova headed by Vice Mayor Rodrigo Jumao-as were present during the launch.

DSWD-7 acting Operation Division Chief, Emma Patalinghug said Cordova is the first local government unit to avail of the program for the reason that it is the first to comply with all the necessary requirements.

Patalinghug said based of the recent survey conducted by the National Household Targetting System, 12,231 indigent senior citizens are in Central Visayas and are expected to receive their social pension of P500 per month starting January this year.

According to Patalinghug all beneficiaries are properly screened.

Cordova Vice Mayor Rodrigo Jumao-as said the program will help senior citizens meet their medical needs.

Manuel Pacaldo, head of the Office of Senior Citizens in Cordova town, said the social pension would go a long way.

Republic Act 9994 or Expanded Citizens Act of 2010 grants additional benefits and privileges to senior citizens.

Article 20, Section 1 provides monthly stipend to indigent senior citizens as additional government assistance.

Based on eligibility criteria determined by the DSWD, indigent senior citizens shall be entitled to a monthly stipend of P500 to augment their daily subsistence and medical needs. — (FREEMAN)