COVID -19 is one of the toughest and longest challenges being faced by humanity today. The pandemic is continually creating devastating economic and social disruption for a year and a half now.
During these times of isolation and quarantine, one of the most affected sectors is the Senior Citizen. Their limited mobility this pandemic greatly affected their means of earning a living especially those who are still working despite their old age. The government recognized the difficulties these older people are in and their need to have safe access to basic needs like food, supplies, medicine, and money in order to support their physical health and social care.
Social Pension, very timely this pandemic
Cash assistances during emergency settings help mitigate the economic crisis being experienced especially by the poor. The economic fallout along with ongoing heightened health risks made it impossible for our elderlies to survive economically as they are the most affected among the vulnerable sectors.
Social Pension or SocPen is a program for Indigent Senior Citizens in the Philippines under Republic Act No. 9994 or the “expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010” which entitles a qualified beneficiary to receive a monthly stipend of Php500 per month to augment their daily subsistence and other medical needs being released on a semestral basis amounting to Php3,000.
Stipend may still be released for deceased but qualified Seniors
Mrs. Juana Zantua Arcilla, 66, a resident of Zone 1, May-Ogob, Ocampo, Camarines Sur claimed Php9,000 representing her husband’s stipend. With a sad heart she shared that her husband, Mr. Celso Reyes Arcilla, died last February 21, 2021 which was within the first semester of the year. Per guidelines, a deceased but qualified beneficiary is still entitled to the semestral stipend of Php3,000 being released for as long as he died within that same semester.
Mr. Arcilla (deceased) is a new pensioner. His eligibility was validated in 2020 and as such, was included in the payroll for this year.
Mrs. Arcilla, on the other hand, a regular pensioner, received her stipend for the 2nd semester of 2021 amounting to 3,000.00.
“Masaya ako na malungkot sapagkat malaking tulong sa amin ang 12,000.00 na ito subalit malungkot ako dahil wala na ang aking asawa. Alam ko na labis nya ikatutuwa ang 9,000 na para sana sakanya.” (I am both happy and sad because I recived 12,000 and this is a big help for our family. However, I am sad because my husband has just passed away. I am sure he would have been so happy to receive his pension)
When asked if she has expected to receive this much this payout she replied, “Hindi ko po inasahan na 9,000 ang matatanggap ng aking asawa sapagkat bago pa lamang ito na pensioner at patay nap o siya. Akala ko po parehas lang kmi 3,000 ang matatanggap.” (I did not expect to receive Php 9,000 for my husband because he is just a new pensioner and is now deceased. I thought we will be receiving Php3,000 each only)
Adherence to Health Protocols
DSWD assures the public of the most efficient way of delivering the services to our elderlies via offsite payment through our Special Disbursing Officers (SDOs) and paymasters, and guarantees that social distancing measures and other safety protocols are strictly observed. The Department strongly encourages the beneficiaries who still have with them relatives to send them as their authorized representatives instead of claiming their pensions themselves.