By Brian Jules Campued
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released a P49.807 billion budget to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the monthly social pension of indigent senior citizens in the country this 2024.
Nearly doubling the pension funds amounting to P25.30 billion in 2023, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said this year’s allocation is set to benefit more than four million seniors in the Philippines.
In a press release on Friday, Pangandaman cited the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to prioritize the welfare of senior citizens by promptly releasing the budget as early as January.
“We recognize the challenges faced by the elderly and understand the importance of providing timely assistance to alleviate their hardships. The prompt release of this budget allows us to make a tangible difference in their lives,” she added.
Pursuant to the Republic Act No. 11916, qualified seniors under the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens (SPISC) Program of the DSWD will get an enhanced monthly stipend of P1,000 this year from the previous social pension worth P500.
The SPISC Program aims to protect indigent seniors from societal neglect by supporting their daily living expenses and medical needs.
Eligible beneficiaries of the program include seniors who are already weak or have illnesses, and those who do not receive any form of pension from government agencies such as Government Service Insurance System, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, and Social Security System (SSS), as well as from private insurance companies.
“Kabilang din sa kwalipikasyon na dapat ay wala silang regular na napagkukunan ng kita o natatanggap na suporta mula sa pamilya o mga kamag-anak upang matugunan ang kanilang mga pangunahing pangangailangan,” the DBM statement read. – avds
