More than 190,000 indigent senior citizens in the Caraga region received social pensions in 2024, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said.

In a report Friday, the DSWD said the senior citizens received a PHP1,000 monthly stipend, totaling PHP12,000 each for last year.

The agency distributed more than PHP2.2 billion in stipends.

“The number of seniors served last year exceeded the target by 103 percent,” the DSWD said.

It said providing pensions to indigent seniors is mandated under Republic Act 11916. or the Social Pension for Indigent Seniors Act.

Rosalinda Dandoy, 74, of Barangay R. Ecleo, Cagdianao, Dinagat Islands, said the pension helped her and her husband.

“The monthly stipend helps us sustain our food needs,” Dandoy said.

Another beneficiary, Iluminada Goloran Poquita, 78, from Barangay Pagatpatan, Butuan City, said the stipend ensures a regular supply of her maintenance medicine and supplements.

“I’m suffering from hypertension and other medical issues. I always buy enough supplies of maintenance medicine and other needs after the SocPen payout. This is a big help for indigent seniors,” she added.

The DSWD also recognized the support of local government units. (PNA)