ILOILO City – A total of 13,190 indigent senior citizens in this city started receiving their social pension for the first and second quarters of the year.
At the Barangay East Baluarte gym in Molo district on July 17, 2,369 beneficiaries each received P3,000.
Angelita Abiertas, 65, from Barangay Calumpang, Molo said she would use the money for her daily needs.
“At my age, I am no longer capable of working to earn money,” she said.
Abiertas’ children now have their own families to attend to, she added.
“I’ll use the money to buy food and medicine,” said Abiertas.
Other recipients were as follows:
* 2,191 elderly from the City Proper; pension released on July 18
* 1,471 elderly from Mandurriao district and 983 from Lapuz; pension released on July 19
* 2,274 elderly La Paz district; pension released on July 20
* 1,943 elderly from Jaro district; pension to be released on July 24
* 1,959 elderly from Arevalo district; pension to be released on July 25
“I am very thankful for this help. I am going to share this with my grandchildren,” said Celia Derada, 64, from Barangay South San Jose, Molo.
She said more old people like her should benefit from this program.
The pension is funded by the national government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 6 and the City Social Welfare and Development Office.
“Our elders need attention and care. The government doesn’t want to see any of them suffering because of poverty. Growing old, they are becoming more prone to diseases and other adverse health conditions. The amount given to them are for their medication and healthcare needs,” said Mayor Jose Espinosa III. (Iloilo City PIO/PN)
