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The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office X (DSWD-10) reiterates that senior citizens who are receiving pensions from the Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), and Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) are not eligible for the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens (SPISC), regardless of the amount they receive.

The clarification comes after the agency completed its recent cross-matching of SPISC beneficiaries with the pensioners’ databases of SSS, GSIS, and PVAO. The results led to the removal of 9,145 beneficiaries from the SPISC list due to confirmed pension receipts.

“Kini nga lakang gipatuman aron masiguro nga ang limitado nga pondo sa gobyerno makaabot gyud sa mga senior citizen nga walay kapasidad ug walay lain nga tinubdan sa suporta,” said DSWD-10 Regional Director Ramel F. Jamen.

[This step ensures that limited government resources reach those who need it most, our indigent senior citizens with no means of support.]

Under Republic Act No. 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, and as reinforced by the Omnibus Guidelines (MC No. 6, s. 2025), the Social Pension is strictly for senior citizens who:

  • Are 60 years old and above;
  • Are frail, sickly, or with disability;
  • Do not receive any regular pension from government sources; and
  • Do not have a permanent source of income or regular family support.

Senior citizens who believe they were mistakenly removed may file an appeal through their Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) or City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (C/MSWDO). The consolidated appeals will be forwarded to the DSWD Central Office for re-cross-matching, which will determine if beneficiaries may be reinstated.

Official notifications of deletions are sent through the concerned Local Government Units focal person and C/MSWDOs. Affected seniors may also seek help through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program for medical and other urgent needs, subject to standard requirements.

For inquiries or assistance regarding appeals, senior citizens and their families may contact:

  • DSWD Field Office 10 Hotline: 0995-595-0290 / 0985-357-3223
  • Email: socpen.fo.10@dswd.gov.ph
  • Or coordinate with their Barangay Senior Citizens Organization, OSCA, or C/MSWDO.

Through these measures, DSWD-10 reaffirms its commitment to ensure that the Social Pension program benefits indigent and most vulnerable senior citizens across Northern Mindanao. ###