DSWD-CAR explains long queue of elders getting pension

Tabuk City, Kalinga - The Department of Social Welfare and Development of Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD-CAR) on June 24 released an official statement to shed light on the long line of senior citizens waiting to withdraw their pension from Landbank Tabuk branch.

This is to clarify social media posts that went viral, calling out why the government agency required senior citizens to appear in person at Landbank ‘knowing the fact that they are more at risk to COVID-19.’

“Kalinga is on GCQ status tatta ngem parwaren yu pay lang piman. Kakaasi da piman nga main-initan kaskada agtatakder…uray ak lang makasangit di nakitak diay lakay nga naka-catheter nga nakapila,” captioned one of the Facebook posts that added pictures as proof.

UCT-Social Pension Payout

The DSWD-CAR, in said statement, explained that “beneficiaries were required to appear personally for further validation and verification as required by pertinent banking rules.”

However, beneficiaries who are physically incapable to proceed to the venue may be allowed to authorize a representative to claim the cards.

The Unconditional Cash Transfer of the Social Pension Program (UCT-Social Pension) is considered as the biggest social mitigation program under Republic Act No. 10963 or TRAIN Law.

The program seeks to provide cash grants to financially disadvantaged households and individuals who may not benefit from the lower income tax rates but may be adversely affected by rising prices.

Indigent senior citizens are entitled to receive P3,600 (P300 per month) for year 2020 which the agency is currently distributing.

Long queue caused by intermittent internet connection

The agency said the long queue at the Landbank Tabuk branch “is due to the intermittent internet connection which caused the unavailability of automated teller machines (ATM)” despite the effort of the bank to maintain connectivity.

“Unlike previous payouts, distribution of UCT grants is through cash cards which aim to promote financial literacy and social inclusion among the senior citizens,” the agency explained.

DSWD-CAR committed to take the experience into account to improve its service delivery in its upcoming activities.

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