To ensure that only the truly needy benefit from its social pension program, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Western Visayas removed a total of 13,468 beneficiaries following a comprehensive revalidation process.
DSWD Western Visayas Director Carmelo Nochete underscored the importance of this revalidation, so the program can focus its resources on those who genuinely require support.
“This revalidation is crucial,” Nochete emphasized. “We are aware that many more elderly individuals need this pension.”
The program is designed to assist senior citizens in buying medicines, food, and prevent them from feeling neglect, abuse, or abandonment. The revalidation showed that some beneficiaries no longer met the program’s eligibility criteria, leading to their removal.
Among those delisted were 1,327 pensioners of the Social Security System (SSS) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). Additionally, 830 beneficiaries were found to be receiving honorariums or salaries, 331 were supported by their families, and others had passed away.
“There are senior citizens without family support or pensions from SSS, GSIS, or other entities. These are the individuals who should be prioritized under the social pension program,” Nochete said.
The province of Iloilo saw the highest number of delisted beneficiaries, with 5,324 names removed, followed by Negros Occidental (3,282), Capiz (1,594), Aklan (1,494), Antique (1,308), and Guimaras (466).
This revalidation process aligns with the DSWD’s Memorandum Circular 06 Series 2024, entitled “Enhanced Omnibus Guidelines in the Program Implementation of the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens.”
Reasons for delisting include the death of the beneficiary, receipt of pensions from SSS, GSIS, or other insurance entities, regular income or financial support from family, inability to be located at their last known address for two consecutive semesters, or transfer of residence.
Through this process, the DSWD aims to ensure that the social pension program continues to serve as a critical lifeline for the most vulnerable senior citizens, providing essential financial support to those who need it the most.
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