DSWD signs MoA with LGUs for social pension fund transfer

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the local government units of Davao Region for the transfer of social pension funds to the latter to fast track the distribution of stipend to the beneficiaries.
The Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens Program addresses the clamor for social protection to the most vulnerable older persons as well as backs the full implementation of RA 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010. The monthly stipend of P500 which took effect January 2011, augments the daily subsistence and other medical needs of indigent senior citizens.
Potential recipients of the Social Pension Program or RA 9995 are non-pensioners who are 77 years old and up, with no regular support from the family, said Rebecca A. Santamaria, DSWD Chief of Protective Service Unit. “As of second quarter in 2013, Region XI has 13,251 total beneficiaries. We will have additional 1384 new pensioners this coming third quarter of 2013, she said.”
Following the MOA Signing, the LGUs shall prepare and submit a quarterly updated list of eligible senior citizens. DSWD will then transfer the annual allocation to the LGUs on a quarterly basis subject to the approved quarterly updated list of eligible senior citizens and liquidation of previously transferred fund.
Santamaria said DSWD will continue to monitor and provide technical assistance to the LGUs through the City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (C/MSWDO) and conduct orientation, advocacy activities and meetings with the LGU Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), Federation of the Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines (FSCAP), and barangay senior citizens associations.
The LGU City/Municipal Treasurer shall take full responsibility in the proper disposition/disbursement of funds for the implementation of the program in accordance with the existing budgeting, accounting and auditing rules and regulations and shall liquidate the transfer of funds in accordance with Commission on Audit Circular No. 94-013. [DSWD/Carmela Cadigal-Duron]