The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Friday said it released P49.81 billion to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to cover the increased government monthly allowance for over four million indigent senior citizens nationwide.
This year’s allocated budget for the said program has significantly doubled compared to last year’s appropriation of P25.30 billion.
“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,” Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said.
The DBM comprehensively released the entire allocation to the DSWD as early as January this year.
The Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens (SPISC) Program of DSWD aims to improve the well-being of qualified indigent senior citizens by supplementing their daily living and medical requirements, alleviating hunger, and protecting them from deprivation, neglect, or abuse.
As mandated by Republic Act No. 11916, beneficiaries of the SPISC Program are to receive an enhanced monthly stipend of P1,000 this year. Enacted in July 2022, the law doubles the monthly pension for senior citizens from P500 to P1,000.
Eligible recipients must be 60 years old and above, frail and sickly, and without pensions from other government sources such as the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), Social Security System (SSS), and private insurance companies.
Further, they should not have a regular source of income or support from family or relatives to cover their basic needs.
In pursuit of a Bagong Pilipinas, President Marcos emphasized the commitment to ensure that no Filipino, especially the most vulnerable sectors, is left behind. The SPISC Program is among the many initiatives implemented to achieve the current administration’s vision for a better Philippines.