Laoag city: A total of 2,648 senior citizens from Laoag City are set to receive cash incentives from the local government this week as part of the implementation of the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens (SPISC) program.

According to Philippines News Agency, the program was made possible through a memorandum of agreement between the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the city government of Laoag to update the list of beneficiaries. City Social Welfare and Development Office head Perlita Cabello stated that pensioners of GSIS and others receiving different pensions were excluded from the list, ensuring that the aid reaches those most in need.

The first batch of about 1,600 indigent senior citizens received PHP3,000 each at the Laoag City multi-purpose hall on Tuesday under the SPISC program. The program aims to assist senior citizens who live alone or struggle to meet their daily needs.

In addition to the SPISC program, the city government also offers a milestone award for senior citizens aged 80 to 99, with cash incentives ranging from PHP2,000 to PHP10,000. Furthermore, those who reach 100 years old are entitled to a centenarian gift of PHP100,000 as per Republic Act 10868 or the Centenarians Act of 2016.

Throughout Ilocos Norte, senior citizens facing personal care challenges receive assistance under Provincial Ordinance 2018-10-063, which was approved seven years ago. This includes financial support for medical, burial, and food needs provided through the government’s assistance to individuals in crisis situations (AICS). Beneficiary Tessie Salvador, 73, expressed her gratitude, saying the pension helps her sustain her needs, particularly in purchasing medicines.