CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Mindanao Cluster Field Offices 10 and 12 and the National Commission on Senior Citizens (NCSC) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the implementation of the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens, July 31, at Chali Beach Resort, here

Two MOAs were signed during the event, particularly the use of office space by NCSC at the DSWD building and data sharing from DSWD to NCSC.

The MOA signing is a product of collaboration and is necessary to implement Republic Act (RA) 11350 to enable the activity program and ensure data sharing is secured at all times. Meanwhile, the common mission is to promote the welfare of senior citizens.

NCSC Chairperson, Lawyer Franklin M. Quijano, said, “The senior citizens should expect a lot of action. The first thing that we emphasize is kaming mga [we] senior citizens is active and productive pa [still].”

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) downloaded a total of P42.9 million for all senior citizens with the help of DSWD, Quijano added.

Meanwhile, DSWD-10 Regional Director Ramel F. Jamen said that although they are transferring the responsibilities of the senior citizen program to NCSC, this does not mean they will not care anymore for the senior citizens.

“They can expect a comprehensive, mas deepening attention to this sector, the senior citizens. Dapat lang nga dili haphazard ang program, kinahanglan gyud nato mahatagan sila og kaukulang atensyon og pagtagad [They can expect comprehensive and deeper attention to this sector, the senior citizens. The program should not be haphazard; it should be given due attention],” Jamen said.

There are about 230,000 senior citizens in Region 10, said Jamen. (JMOR/PIA-10)