QUEZON CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is hopeful that the law increasing the social pension for indigent senior citizens will bring about a significant impact on the lives of its beneficiaries.

Pursuant to Republic Act No. 11916, which lapsed into law last July 30, the monthly pension of qualified senior citizens under the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens program of the government will become Php1,000 from Php500.

The social pension is given to any elderly, aged 60 years old and above, who is frail, sickly, or with a disability, and without a pension or permanent source of income, compensation, or financial assistance from his or her relatives to support his or her basic needs.

In a statement, Secretary Erwin T. Tulfo expressed his gratitude to the lawmakers for walking the extra mile to increase the pension of the indigent elderlies. 

While the DSWD lauds the initiative of passing this measure, it also appeals to the legislators from both houses to prioritize the appropriation of funds for the program in order to effectively implement the provisions of RA No. 11916, hence, avoiding the said law to end up as an unfunded mandate. 

“Aayusin na ng DSWD ang Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR) at ihihingi ng additional funding sa kongreso ang nasabing umento,” the Secretary said. 

The Department also commits to consult and work closely with its other stakeholders, particularly the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), to enhance the implementing guidelines of the program. 

Through this legislation, the Department assures the elderly sector of continued support from the government to cover their daily subsistence as well as medical needs. (DSWD)