The Department of Social Welfare and Development expresses deep sadness on the vehicular accident that claimed the lives of some our Social Pension Program beneficiaries in the town of Balbalan, Kalinga

DSWD implements the Social Pension Program which grants P500 monthly stipend for indigent senior citizens.

“We are saddened by the news. It was an incident that nobody wanted. We condole with the families of the victims,” DSWD Secretary Virginia ‘Gee’ Orogo said.

According to the report, in the afternoon of September 11, a hired jeepney fell into a ravine at Dao-angan Balbalan, Kalinga, which carried passengers coming from the Poblacion. The passengers included some social pensioners and representatives who travelled from their barangays to get their cash grant.

“DSWD conducts the pay-out to older person beneficiaries in coordination with the Local Government Units (LGUs).  Rest assured that we will review our current practice and find ways to make the cash pay-out process simpler and easier for the beneficiaries of our programs, especially for our indigent older person benefiting from the social pension,” Sec. Orogo added.

The DSWD Field Office – CAR is also currently coordinating with the LGU of Balbalan for the funeral services to be provided to the victims. Burial assistance will also be given to the families.

Meanwhile, DSWD Field Office CAR Director Janet Armas assured that social workers and other personnel from the Field Office will assist the families until all other needs are assessed and responded to.  ###