The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga served a total of 190,841 indigent senior citizens under the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens Program (SocPen) in 2025, exceeding the regional target of 184,700 beneficiaries.

Based on the year-end accomplishment report as of December 31, 2025, the program achieved a 103.32 percent physical accomplishment, reflecting the inclusion of qualified replacement beneficiaries across all provinces in the region.

By province, Agusan del Norte served 46,289 beneficiaries with Php516.33 million released; Agusan del Sur, 48,430 beneficiaries with Php550.641 million; Dinagat Islands, 11,891 beneficiaries with Php135.783 million; Surigao del Norte, 37,422 beneficiaries with Php423.318 million; and Surigao del Sur, 46,809 beneficiaries with Php529.056 million.

In line with the directive of the DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the Regional Social Pension Unit (RSPU) ensured the implementation of the Transfer of Funds (ToF) scheme, with 68 out of 73 local government units (LGUs) enrolled in 2025. Under the ToF scheme, funds are transferred on a one-time basis to LGU Trust Funds and disbursed quarterly to beneficiaries. A fiduciary review was conducted for LGU personnel involved in the ToF process to ensure compliance with Commission on Audit requirements, particularly in the preparation and submission of liquidation reports.

To further strengthen service delivery, the RSPU conducted capacity-building activities for social workers, including orientations on the Enhanced Customer Service Module, nonviolent communication, and Case Management, all accredited with Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points.

Additionally, the LGU San Luis, Agusan del Sur, was recognized as one of the outstanding implementers of the Social Pension Program during the first-ever National SOCPEN Parangal held on October 16, 2025, in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, which honored LGUs nationwide for exemplary program implementation.

Beyond stipend distribution, DSWD Caraga continued case management interventions for senior citizen beneficiaries with complex needs, those living alone, or those who have been abandoned. These efforts are guided by the “Help Enhance the Living Condition to Protect Older Persons (HELP OP)” framework developed by the Protective Services Division to link vulnerable seniors to appropriate social services.

“We thank our local government unit partners for their continued support and cooperation. This strong partnership allows us to deliver timely assistance and ensure that our indigent senior citizens receive the care and protection they deserve,” said DSWD Caraga Regional Director Mari-Flor Dollaga, emphasizing that the program’s gains are anchored on shared commitment to the welfare of the region’s most vulnerable sectors.

As DSWD Caraga sustains the momentum of the Social Pension Program, the Department calls on local government units, community leaders, families, and the public to further strengthen collective efforts in protecting and uplifting the lives of senior citizens. Ensuring dignified aging extends beyond the provision of financial assistance—it requires vigilance, compassion, and a shared responsibility in identifying indigent seniors, safeguarding their rights, and connecting them to essential services.