Vigan: The city government of Vigan is distributing social pensions to its indigent senior citizens using local funds, independent of the national government's initiative. Ma. Celerina Agcamaran, head of the Office of Senior Citizen Affairs in Vigan City, confirmed the development following the distribution event held at the Collado Hotel in Barangay Pantay Fatima, benefiting 967 indigent senior citizens.

According to Philippines News Agency, the distribution marks a city-funded initiative based on an approved ordinance responding to numerous demands from senior citizens in need of social pension. Each eligible beneficiary received PHP2,000, covering the first and second quarters of the year. An additional PHP3,000 is set to be released in December, bringing their total annual assistance to PHP5,000.

Elisa Rochina, a beneficiary from Barangay Cabaroan Laud, expressed gratitude for the program, stating it significantly aids her daily sustenance. The initiative is guided by City Ordinance No. 15, series of 2025, authored by former Sangguniang Panlalawigan member and now Vice Mayor Glendale Benzon. This ordinance aims to provide temporary financial assistance to indigent senior citizens who are still waiting for inclusion in the national government's social pension program.

The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) clarified that this assistance is distinct from the national government's social pension program managed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development. The CSWDO emphasized that senior citizens already receiving benefits from the National Social Pension Program are excluded from the city-funded grant, ensuring that the assistance reaches those who have not yet received national support.

In addition to senior citizens, the city government also extends social pensions to indigent persons with disabilities.