The City Government launched the Local Socialized Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens Program which entitles beneficiaries with a quarterly stipend of PhP 1,500 for two years.  First 49 initial recipients received their cash aid at a simple ceremony held recently at the Social Hall, City Government Complex.

City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) Officer-in-Charge Dorothy G, Evangelista said this program is mandated by the National Government in a move to help alleviate poverty among the sectors of the elderly at the grassroots levels.  “Mayor WIN Gatchalian ordered to expedite the implementation of the program in the city,” she added.

Valenzuela City Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) Head Pablo Marcelo and Angelica Osea from the Department of Social Welfare and Development - National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) witnessed the turn over.

Mrs. Celedonia Salonga, a 72-year old grandmother from Barangay Gen. T. de Leon, was tearful in gratitude as she receives her pension fund.  She said  that the program means so much to people like her because it shows the elderly is not being ignored by the government.

According to the latest data provided by the DSWD, the lead national government agency which addresses the welfare of the senior citizens in the country, the Philippine elderly population is estimated at approximately 6.8 million, with at least 1.23 million identified as living below the poverty threshold.

According to the records of OSCA, there are about 40,000 senior citizens residing in Valenzuela City.

DSWD officials said ”the PhP 500 monthly stipend provided for under Republic Act No. 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, is an additional government assistance for indigent older persons for their needs.”

As prescribed by the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, the target beneficiaries are indigent elders who are frail, sick, disabled, not receiving any pension, has no permanent source of income, or regular support from families or relatives.

These provisions classify this national program’s priority beneficiaries to be 77 years old and above, as identified by the National Government through the CSWD through the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction.