Indigent P’que elderlies get pension

350 indigent Parañaque senior citizens received on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 their social pension during the payout at the P’que City Hall.

The beneficiaries qualified under the following standards set in the DSWD National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction: They must be from indigent families; 77 years old and above; registered with the Parañaque Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA); they are not recipients of other pension benefits (GSIS, SSS, AFPMBAI, etc.); and are not getting any support from their families.

The DSWD’s Social Pension Program is provided under Republic Act 9994 which is also known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010. Under said law, covered seniors are given P500.00 monthly pensions to help them with their daily expenses.

The Parañaque seniors thanked the DSWD-NCR and the Parañaque City Social Welfare and Development Office under Mr. Dean Calleja for arranging the conduct of the payout in the city, making it more convenient and economical for them in terms of travel time and transportation fares.

They also expressed their gratitude to OSCA for its untiring service likewise to the Office of Councilor Benjo Bernabe whose programs greatly benefit elders and PWDs in the city.

“In their time, the seniors did much for the development of the city and for the welfare of the citizens and for that, we are most grateful. Like loving children, we in the city government give them love, respect and care.”, Mayor Bernabe said.

“Apart from the benefits dictated by law, Parañaque Senior Citizens get extras. They get movie passes that afford them free admission in Parañaque cinemas. They are also given free blood chemistry diagnostics and immunization vs. seasonal flu yearly. The city government also provides for the city’s elders free reading glasses, crutches, wheelchair and dentures as needed. Moreover, this LGU builds Senior Citizen Centers and organizes outings, seminars and other productive activities for them.”, he added.