As the nation concludes the celebration of Senior Citizens Month in October and Elderly Filipino Week from October 1 to 7, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 7—Central Visayas reiterates support for the sector.

DSWD 7 implements two programs for the welfare of the senior citizens sector – the Social Pension program and Republic Act 10868, or the Centenarian Act of 2016. DSWD implements it in collaboration with the local government units.

The social pension gives indigent senior citizens a Php 1,000 monthly stipend to assist them in their daily needs. It applies only to the frail, sickly, and not receiving any pension or regular support from their families.

For the third quarter of 2024, DSWD 7 reported that 95.26%, or 285,521, of the 299,737 beneficiaries in the region have already received the cash stipend, which gives them a total of Php 9,000 for this year.

The program staff delivers the cash aid to some beneficiaries in especially difficult situations who expressed that they could not physically claim their stipends.

Regional Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero expressed that while the Department honors the legacy of Filipino elders, it is very aware of the many issues the sector continues to face.

“May these celebrations direct our attention to health, livelihood, and socio-economic welfare issues that continue to affect our elderly population,” she said.

Although many senior citizens have pensions, many feel the amounts received are insufficient to live a decent life. She cited about many senior citizens, especially those in rural areas, who are not included in the social pension program due to the limited number of slots.

“While we continue to lobby to our policymakers to increase the number of slots for pensioners and the amount, LGUs can create local programs to accommodate those excluded from the program,” she said.

Meanwhile, 90 centenarians this year have already received PHP 100,000 cash and a felicitation letter from President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., in recognition of their longevity and lifelong contribution to the country.

Since the enactment of the law in 2016, DSWD has granted cash gifts to 982 centenarians in Central Visayas. Demographically, women are more likely to reach the 100-year mark, with 756 females and 226 males given centenarian gifts since then.

In 2025, the implementation of Republic Act 10868, or the Centenarian Act, will be fully transferred to the National Commission of Senior Citizens.

Pakighimamat

To honor former employees, DSWD 7 organized a ‘Pakighimamat’, a Cebuano term that means to meet, an appreciation event for retirees.

Former DSWD 7 officials and staff gathered for a day of nostalgia as they reminisce about their past days as civil workers and enjoyed their lives as retirees.

In her message during the gathering on October 25, 2024, Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero acknowledged the contribution of the retirees who paved the way for the present DSWD. She announced that Paghimamat will now be a regular office activity.

“While our retirees will appreciate this opportunity, we will take this to our advantage by gaining their wisdom and vast experience in running the department for future generations to learn and emulate,” explained the director.

Over the years, Filipino elders have demonstrated their resilience. This year’s theme of “Senior Citizens—Building the Nation, Inspiring Generations” reminds us to pay tribute and honor their legacy in the community and continue to inspire generations with the torch passed on that carries their greatness and spirited experiences for generations to come. ###

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