P4M social pension allotted for senior citizens in Sta. Marcela, Apayao

Sta. Marcela, Apayao - About P4,098,000 was allotted to be disbursed to 1,366 senior citizens residing in the 13 barangays of the Municipality of Sta. Marcela this second quarter of 2023, according to MSWDO Office.

Said amount, under the pension program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office (DWSD), is purposed to aid the daily subsistence and medical needs of eligible indigent senior citizens.

Mayor Evelyn Martinez, in an interview, mentioned the importance of such assistance to make the elderly feel they are still loved and cared for, adding that such help is fitting to honor their contributions to their communities.

MSWDO Officer Ignacia Aman of LGU Sta. Marcela handed over the cash grants personally to the members, amounting to P3,000 each for the duration of July to December.

Following its 3-day scheduled set of distribution, the activity started yesterday reaching out to 496 beneficiaries from the first 5 barangays, while the remaining numbers will receive theirs on the following days.

Other Privileges of Senior Citizens

Aside from monetary privileges, senior citizens are also entitled to a grant of a 20-percent discount on the purchase of certain goods and services such as medicines, a special five-percent discount on prime commodities and basic necessities, and an exemption from the value-added tax on the sale of goods and services, based on RA 9994 or the Extended Senior Citizen's Act.

Moreover, the proposed increase of social pension in the 2023 National budget which lapsed into law last year is expected to be implemented by 2024, said National Commission on Senior Citizens chair Franklin Quijano.

Mayor Martinez, having seen the necessity of the increase, likewise hopes the additional 500pesos a month, will fully be realized in the next quarters.

On the other hand, DWSD as the implementing agency, conveyed that eligible elderlies can avail of the benefits. These senior citizens must be someone who is frail, sickly, or with a disability; without pension from the Social Security System, Government Service Insurance System, or from any sources of pension in government and private agencies; and without any permanent source of income, compensation or financial assistance from relatives to support their basic needs.

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