BAGUIO CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) strives to address the needs of all eligible senior citizens through the Social Pension Program amidst  many challenges.
 
The DSWD Cordillera is appealing for understanding of indigent senior citizens who are yet to be included in the said program as the 109,000 slots for the region are already filled up.

DSWD Cordillera Social Worker Officer III Jireh Lyn Altiyen said they have already requested funding for  additional slots for the region and they are optimistic that the Department of Budget and Management will approve their request.
 
"Dagiyay kunada a nakapila, gapu apo ta agur-uray tayo iti slots. Filled po ti slots tayo tatta," she said.
 
There are  6,247 applicationsalready approved but are still on the waiting list due to unavailable slots. 

Altiyen  said they continue to assess and submit applications to DSWD Central Office, but they cannot  proceed with the inclusion in payroll due to unavailable slots.
 
Under the Expanded Senior Citizens Act, eligible senior citizens now receive P1,000 stipend per month or a total of P6,000 per semester.

Eligible beneficiaries are 60 years old and older, frail, living alone, sickly, have no other source of income, and do not receive pensions from other agencies.
 
"Requirements are no regular source of income, no regular support from family members, do not receive any compensation from other agencies. This is for augmentation po sa mga needs ng ating mga senior citizens," Altiyen said.
 
Eligible senior citizens may visit the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs or the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office to apply. These offices shall assess the applications to be submitted to the DSWD for processing. (DEG-PIA CAR)