TACLOBAN: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has disbursed PHP3.15 billion in social pension funds to indigent senior citizens across the Eastern Visayas region in 2024. The financial aid has reached over 270,000 elderly individuals residing in six provinces, according to a report from the DSWD-Eastern Visayas regional office.

According to Philippines News Agency, the distribution of the pension funds commenced with PHP1.66 billion released in the first half of the year, followed by PHP813.36 million in the third quarter, and PHP673.59 million in the fourth quarter. The funds were allocated through a transfer of funds modality scheme, which is considered the most efficient method for delivering these resources. Under this scheme, the total allocated fund is transferred to local government units on a semestral basis, promoting streamlined and cost-effective program implementation.

The distribution of funds saw Leyte receiving the largest portion with PHP1.35 billion, while Samar received PHP526.86 million. Northern Samar was allocated PHP387.84 million, Southern Leyte received PHP348.37 million, Eastern Samar was granted PHP295.86 million, and Biliran received PHP159.02 million.

The social pension program is governed by Republic Act 11916, which doubles the monthly pension for senior citizens to PHP1,000. This legislation, enacted in July 2022, stipulates that eligible beneficiaries must be at least 60 years old, frail, sickly, and without pensions from other government agencies or private insurance companies. Additionally, recipients should not have a regular source of income or financial support from family or relatives to meet their basic needs.