A total of 5,986 indigent senior citizens from different villages in Surigao City received their third-quarter social pension during two days of distribution activities.

A total of PHP17.9 million in social pension were released during the Sept. 24 and 25 payout, implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development – Caraga Region (DSWD-13) and the City Social Welfare and Development Office.

Beneficiaries received PHP3,000 each, covering the months of July to September.

“The welfare of our senior citizens, especially the indigents, is among the priorities of the city administration,” the Public Information Office said in a statement Friday.

The city government also thanked the DSWD-13 for its collaboration in ensuring the timely release of the stipends.

Michele, 24, who accompanied her 74-year-old grandmother to the payout, said the family is thankful for the continuing support.

“The PHP3,000 stipend is already allocated for her medicines, especially for her maintenance for hypertension, diabetes and vitamins,” she said. (PNA)