The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – Region 11 completed Friday the release of a total of P2,292,000 for 1,528 indigent senior citizens in the town of Magsaysay, Davao del Sur.

The cash release was made this early even as it should cover the first quarter of 2017 or from January to March.

The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office and the Municipal Treasurer’s Office here divided the 22 barangays (villages) into three for the three-day release of the pension starting last Wednesday.

Every indigent senior citizen aged 65 years old and above is entitled to receive P500 monthly pension. The age qualification eligible to receive a social pension was lowered from 77 years old to 65 years old. It was approved under the General Appropriations Act for CY 2015.

With the lower age requirement, more economically disadvantaged senior citizens can have additional cash to spend for their basic needs such as medicines and nutritious food to support their well-being.

Those who will qualify to receive the P500 monthly stipend are senior citizens who are frail, sickly, or have disabilities; are not receiving pension from Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), or Veterans Pension; and do not have a permanent source of income or regular support from relatives.

The pension is distributed every quarter through cash payment by DSWD Field Offices or city/municipal social welfare and development offices. (PNA)