GAPAN CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has opened a satellite office in Gapan City.

Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said they did not spend a single peso for the facility as all logistical requirements were provided by the Office of Nueva Ecija 4th District Representative Emerson Pascual.

During the inauguration, the cabinet official announced that Congress is studying the expansion of the government's Social Pension Program to accommodate more beneficiaries.
 

He also praised the initiative of the city government of Gapan in focusing on the welfare of senior citizens, such as holding a monthly assembly and providing a P3,000 cash gift during their birthday.
 
A mini trade fair was also mounted to exhibit the products of 18 beneficiaries of the DSWD's Sustainable Livelihood Program. It was held coinciding with the opening of the satellite office.

It featured affordable goods such as agricultural products, delicacies like pastillas and leche flan, and other products such as detergents, dishwashing liquid, and household items. (CLJD/CCN-PIA 3)