DSWD-8 to LGUs: Liquidate pension funds

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — Local government units in Eastern Visayas—that have yet to liquidate their social pension grants to indigent senior citizens—should now settle their cash advances for the pension program to continue the assistance distribution, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Region 8.

DSWD-8 Director Restituto Macuto told The Freeman that his office is now evaluating the implementation of the agency’s Social Pension Program, and has urged the LGUs to fast track their liquidation process.

Macuto said the DSWD wanted that not one LGU will be left behind in implementing the social pension grants to indigent senior citizens in the region. After the liquidation, the next cash grants will be downloaded to the LGUs as soon as possible, he said.

“The amount given to beneficiaries is just so small, but for them, especially those older people who are less fortunate that even their own family members cannot afford to support them, it is something very valuable for them,” he said.

Macuto said that, for calendar year 2015, there are three towns in Eastern Samar, two in Southern Leyte and one in Northern Samar that have not yet made their liquidation.

For this year, 108 out of 143 LGUs in Eastern Visayas have not yet accomplished and submitted their liquidation reports. (FREEMAN)