The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, through its Regional Social Pension Unit (RSPU), conducted a Technical Sharing Session Cum Orientation on the Implementation of Republic Act 11916, known as “An Act Increasing the Social Pension of Senior Citizens.” The event aimed to ensure the smooth rollout of the law’s provisions, which notably raises the monthly social pension for senior citizens from Php500.00 to Php1,000.00.

Held in Butuan City last April 26, 2024, the session was attended by focal persons from various Local Social Welfare and Development Offices (LSWDO) across the region. The gathering served as an essential platform for discussing and reaffirming the guidelines and mandates related to the social pension program. It also allowed for the dissemination of new directives issued by the DSWD Social Pension – Central Office concerning the enhanced pension payouts and the procedural aspects of delivering the increased stipends to eligible senior citizens.

This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to supporting the elderly population by doubling their monthly social pension. The adjustment aims to better address the basic needs of senior citizens, acknowledging their contributions to society and ensuring they live their later years with dignity and less financial stress.