Antique, Philippines - The province of Antique has approved an amendment to its Elderly Welfare and Development Code, granting an annual social pension to senior citizens aged 85 and above. The amended ordinance, which was approved by the provincial board on Monday, was sponsored by board member Mayella Mae Plameras-Ladislao. The new provision aims to extend sustainable funding support to both indigent and non-indigent elderly residents.
According to Philippines News Agency, the original ordinance offered a one-time social pension varying by age bracket, with different amounts allocated for those aged 85 to over 100. The amendment now ensures that all eligible elderly individuals will receive an annual pension depending on their age. To avail of the social pension, seniors must comply with specific requirements, including a certificate of eligibility and residency certification from the Office of Senior Citizens Affair (OSCA).
The amended policy prioritizes indigent seniors or those in crisis situations. In cases where a beneficiary passes away within the year, the authorized representative can claim the full stipend, provided certain documentation, including the death certificate and OSCA identification, is submitted. The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) recorded approximately 3,000 seniors aged 85 and above among the total elderly population of 72,028 in the province, who are currently receiving a social pension from the provincial government. The amended ordinance is set to take effect in January 2024.