SURIGAO CITY, Philippines  – The poverty alleviation program of President Benigno S. Aquino III is stepped up in Northeastern Mindanao region, particularly in Surigao del Norte province, with the signing of several social services projects with the local government units (LGU’s).

Social Welfare Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman is in two-day swing in Surigao del Norte province beginning on Thursday, to personally sign several Memorandum of Agreements (MOA) with the LGU’s spearheaded by Gov. Sol F. Matugas and municipal officials.

The MOA’s that are set to be signed are “Convergence of social Protection Services,” “Social Pension Program” and “Core Shelter Assistance Project,”

These MOA’s will be signed between the DSWD and concerned LGU’s in the different areas in the province.

Along with provincial officials led by Gov. Matugas, the DSWD Secretary will also lead the groundbreaking of Day Care Center at Barangay Tapian in Mainit, Surigao del Norte.

Secretary Soliman will also meet the 30 “Pantawid Pamilya” and 20 SEA-K Beneficiaries and will also distribute the social pension to about 200 senior citizens in this city.

The social welfare secretary will also grace the Provincial Day Care Workers Convention and also meet with the Regional Project Management Office staff of “Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino” at downtown hotel here.

“The poverty alleviation program of Pres. Aquino is a big help, and this will also connect to my HEALS program in the province,” said Gov. Matugas.

In a related development, the DSWD started the release of social pension to senior citizens in the municipalities of Marihatag and San Agustin in Surigao del Sur.

Region Xlll DSWD Regional Director Mercedita P. Jabagat led the distribution to 96 and 61 older persons in Marihatag and San Agustin, respectively last week.

The initial distribution was preceded by the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on social pension.

In two separate occasions, Director Jabagat inks the MOA with Mayor Leo C. Navarro at the Marihatag Tree Park and with Mayor Honolulu Go at the San Agustin municipal gymnasium.

“The social pension for indigent Filipino senior citizen is in-line with the fulfillment of the obligation of the government to protect the most vulnerable sector through social protection, and for the full implementation of the Republic act No. 9994 or the “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010,” explained Director Jabagat.

The RA 9994 provides additional benefits and privileges and maximize participation of senior citizens in nation-building and amended the previous RA 9257 or the “Expanded Senior Citizen Act 0f 2003.”

The objective of social pension is to improve the living condition of eligible indigent senior citizens. This financial assistance will help them with their basic needs. Under the law, indigent older persons are those who are frail, sick, disabled, not receiving any pension, has no permanent source of income, or regular support from families or relatives.

A total of 145,000 senior citizens will benefit the social pension nationwide and Caraga has 9,662 beneficiaries. Qualified senior citizen beneficiaries are entitled to receive Php 500 per month to be released quarterly, also said Northeastern Mindanao Social Welfare Information Officer Leah T. Quintana.

The DSWD prioritizes indigent senior citizens who are 77 years old and above, added Ms. Quintana.