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DSWD backs expansion of social pension for senior citizens

Philippines | National

DSWD backs expansion of social pension for senior citizens

By Charie Mae F. Abarca

As part of its initiatives to help improve the living condition of the elderly sector in the Philippines, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) supported the call of various groups and individuals to expand the country’s Social Pension Program and amend the Republic Act No. 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.

(Manila Bulletin File Photo)

Under the law, only indigent senior citizens are eligible to receive P500 monthly allowance from the Philippine government. With this limitation, various groups and individuals appealed to amend the law, pushing the House of Representatives and Senate to pass a bill that proposes a “universal coverage” of the said program.

“ champion the endeavor to expand the coverage of social pension and to increase the budget allocation so the majority of the elderly sector will be assisted and accorded for their daily subsistence and medical needs,” said DSWD in a press statement on Friday, March 4.

The Department likewise highlighted that they are “one with the proponents” in their intent to promote the rights and welfare of the elderly.

Related Tags

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) DSWD social pension program SOCIAL PENSION FOR INDIGENT SENIOR CITIZENS

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