Bicol: The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) continues to provide assistance to various sectors across the region, releasing millions in social pensions and thousands of food packs for evacuees.
According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD-5 Regional Director Norman Laurio reported that 1,569 beneficiaries from 23 barangays in Jovellar, Albay received a total of PHP4.8 million under the first-quarter payout of the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens (SPISC) program. The distribution took place from April 13 to 14.
The SPISC program assists senior citizens who have insufficient income and limited family support. Laurio mentioned that the initiative provides a monthly stipend of PHP1,000 or PHP3,000 per quarter, to qualified indigent elderly. The DSWD implements the program in partnership with local government units (LGUs) through the Transfer of Funds (TOF) scheme to accelerate service delivery.
Laurio further added that under the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the regional office continues to promote the efficient delivery of social services for the welfare of the elderly.
In addition to the aid for seniors, the agency has extended support to families displaced by the ongoing unrest of Mayon Volcano. The DSWD distributed 5,905 family food packs (FFPs) to 1,128 internally displaced families as part of its seventh wave of assistance for those within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone.
