Manila: Ilocos Norte Local government units (LGUs) in Ilocos Norte have adopted the transfer of fund (ToF) scheme to facilitate direct social pension payouts to elderly residents, DSWD-Ilocos Region (DSWD-1) said in a news release Friday. The DSWD releases funds to LGUs under the ToF system.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has partnered with LGUs to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of social pension services to indigent senior citizens. To further streamline this process, the DSWD collaborates with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) by conducting off-site National Identification registrations at payout locations. Additionally, PSA personnel perform house-to-house registrations for beneficiaries with limited mobility who cannot travel to designated sites.

Since April, the National ID has become the primary proof of identity for the Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens. This system enables the DSWD to update records accurately, identify duplicate entries, and ensure that only qualified individuals receive the PHP1,000 monthly stipend intended for daily subsistence and medical needs.