The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, through its Regional Social Pension Unit (RSPU), successfully conducted its semestral Fiduciary Review with the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Caraga to assess the implementation of the Transfer of Funds scheme under the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens Program (SocPen).

The review aimed to strengthen accountability and transparency in fund utilization as LGUs are now entrusted to conduct payouts and manage liquidation for social pension beneficiaries.

The activity was conducted in three batches: Batch 1 for Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur on October 21–22, 2025 at Almont City Hotel, Butuan City; Batch 2 for Surigao del Norte and the Province of Dinagat Islands on October 23–24, 2025 at JB Hotel, Surigao City; and Batch 3 for Surigao del Sur on October 30–31, 2025 at La Entrada, San Agustin, Surigao del Sur.

Participants included representatives from the Municipal Treasurers Office, Accounting Office, and Local Social Welfare and Development Office (LSWDO), who are directly involved in fund disbursement and preparation of liquidation documents. A key feature of the review was the exchange and cross-review of liquidation reports, where LGUs evaluated each other’s documents to ensure objectivity, accuracy, and shared learning.

During the sessions, the Regional Social Pension Unit also presented LGU performance updates in terms of physical and financial accomplishments, shared recent directives from the Central Office, and addressed issues and concerns raised by the participants.

In her closing message, Protective Services Division Chief Ms. Jessie Catherine B. Aranas expressed appreciation for the active participation and commitment of LGU partners. She emphasized that the fiduciary review demonstrates the Department’s trust in the LGUs to implement the program with integrity, guided by principles of good governance, accountability, and adherence to official guidelines.

Through the conduct of the fiduciary review, DSWD Field Office Caraga reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the efficient and transparent delivery of the Social Pension Program, benefitting thousands of indigent senior citizens across the region.