ILOILO City – More than 13,000 indigent senior citizens started receiving from the city government their social pension for the first and second quarters of this year.
One of them was the 65-year-old Angelita Abiertas of Barangay Calumpang, Molo district.
“I am no longer capable of working to earn money,” Abiertas said. “My children have their respective families. I’ll use the money to buy food and medicine.”
Abiertas was among the 2,369 beneficiaries from Molo who were given P3,000 each at the East Baluarte Gym on Tuesday.
Mayor Jose Espinosa III led the distribution of the social pension to a total of 13,190 beneficiaries.
Recipients from City Proper (2,191) were set to be given their share on Wednesday at the Veterans Gym.
Those from Mandurriao (1,471) will be given theirs at the Oñate Gym on Thursday; Lapuz (983), Barrio Obrero Gym, Thursday; La Paz (2,274), Barrio Obrero Gym, Friday; Jaro (1,943), Jaro Gym, July 24; and Arevalo (1,959), Arevalo Gym, July 25.
Funded by the national government, the social pension program was coursed through the Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 6 and the City Social Welfare and Development Office.
“The elders in the society are the ones who need most attention and care,” said Espinosa. “The government doesn’t want to see any of them suffering because of poverty.”
He added: “Growing old, they are becoming more prone to diseases and other health conditions. The amount given to them will be used for their health care needs.”
Another beneficiary from Molo – Celia Derada, 64, of Barangay South San Jose – was grateful for the social pension.
“I am going to share this with my grandchildren,” Derada said. “I hope more old people like us can benefit from this program.” (Thessalonia Ordales, Iloilo City PIO/PN)
