The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Western Visayas (DSWD-6) has released around PHP45.29 million to 15,099 qualified senior citizens as the payout continues under the Social Pension (SocPen) Program.

DSWD-6 regional information officer Therese Fely Legaste, in an interview on Friday, said the payout, which commenced last week, covers the first quarter of this year.

“This is for the first quarter at PHP1,000 per month. So far, five municipalities have started their payout,” she said, citing the towns of Balete in Aklan, and Lemery, Sara, Zarraga and Passi City in Iloilo.

Legaste said they are coordinating with other local government units (LGUs) for the payout, which is being done under two schemes – through fund transfer to LGUs, and through the DSWD staff.

She urged pensioners to wait for the announcement from their local governments for the specific schedules or to ask their local social welfare officer.

“Our budget for the first quarter of 2026 is already available, so anytime, within this quarter, we will have the payout. We already have the schedule, unfortunately, we could not provide the specifics for security reasons,” she said.

DSWD targets to complete the payout by March or April. (PNA)