More than 4 million indigent senior citizens across the country are receiving financial support through the Indigent Senior Citizens (SPISC) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao, the DSWD’s spokesperson, said the program provides them with a monthly financial assistance that helps ease the burden of medical and living expenses.
“Mas mataas na ang natatanggap na pensyon ng ating mga lolo at lola dahil alam naming ito ay direktang napupunta sa pambili ng gamot at pagkain. Isa ito sa mga hakbang ng DSWD para mapangalagaan ang kalusugan at kapakanan ng ating mga indigent senior citizens,” Dumlao said.
The SPISC is granted to Filipinos aged 60 and above who are frail, sickly, or with disability, and who do not have a regular income, pension, or financial support from their family.
Under Republic Act No. 11916, the monthly pension was increased from Php500 to Php1,000 beginning January 2024, reflecting the government’s commitment to help seniors cope with costs of medicine and food.
To make the aid more accessible and timely, the DSWD shifted from the previous semi-annual release of pension to a monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly payout starting July 2024.
Cash cards are also now being used for digital disbursement in selected areas to make the release of funds more efficient and convenient for the elderly.
“Layunin ng DSWD na hindi mahirapan ang mga senior citizens sa pagkuha ng kanilang benepisyo. Kaya unti-unti na tayong lumilipat sa digital disbursement,” the DSWD spokesperson pointed out.
As the program continues to expand and improve, the DSWD remains committed to ensuring that no senior citizen is left behind, especially when it comes to their health and well-being, in adherence to the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
