The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga has achieved a remarkable milestone in 2024 for its Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens Program (SocPen). The Regional Social Pension Unit (RSPU) reported serving 190,424 indigent senior citizens, surpassing its target by an impressive 103.09%.
This accomplishment reflects the agency’s dedication to safeguarding the welfare of the region’s elderly population. SocPen, mandated under Republic Act 11916 or the Social Pension for Indigent Seniors Act, grants eligible senior citizens a monthly stipend of Php 1,000 to help cover essential needs, including daily sustenance and medical expenses.
A Lifeline for Vulnerable Seniors
For many beneficiaries, the stipend provides much-needed relief. Nanay Rosalinda Dandoy, a 74-year-old resident of Barangay R. Ecleo in Cagdianao, Dinagat Islands, expressed her gratitude for the program. “Dako kaayong tabang sa amoa (It’s a huge help to us),” she shared.
“Kung muabot na sa amoa ang payout, malipay kaayo mi kay makapalit dayon mi og bugas, sud-an ug gatas—labi na kay kami nalang duha sa akong bana (When it is time for our scheduled payout, we are ecstatic because we will be able to buy rice, viand, and milk—especially that it’s just me and my husband living together),” Nanay Rosalinda added. “Nindot kaayo ang pamaagi sa DSWD sa ilang paghatag sa amoa sa kaayohan. Dako kaayo among pasalamat (The process of giving us the stipend is efficient. We are very grateful).”
Overcoming Challenges in Implementation
Despite exceeding its target, the program faced implementation challenges. Some beneficiaries were out of town during scheduled payouts, and although special arrangements were made, certain seniors lacked proper authorization for representatives to claim their benefits. Sadly, a number of beneficiaries also passed away before receiving their stipends.
The DSWD Caraga remains committed to addressing these challenges and expanding its reach to ensure that all eligible seniors receive their entitled benefits.
Strengthening Program Implementation
The RSPU’s success is attributed to several initiatives aimed at enhancing program efficiency and collaboration:
- Year-End Program Review: Conducted to evaluate and strategically plan improvements for the following year.
- Coordination with LGUs: A review with local government unit partners to strengthen coordination mechanisms.
- Capacity Building: Re-orientation and team-building workshops for Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) representatives.
- Interdisciplinary Team Meetings: Regular sessions with social workers to enhance case management and beneficiary support.
“We are proud of the significant progress we have made in providing support to our senior citizens in Caraga,” said RSPU Head Rachel Bade. “We remain committed to ensuring the effective and efficient implementation of the Social Pension Program and improving the lives of our elderly population.”
A Holistic Approach to Senior Welfare
DSWD Caraga’s comprehensive approach—combining financial aid, capacity building, and strategic partnerships—underscores its unwavering mission to provide social protection to the region’s most vulnerable. This achievement in 2024 stands as a testament to its commitment to improving the quality of life for senior citizens and fostering a society that values and uplifts its elderly members.