LUNA, Apayao – About 11,307 indigent senior citizens benefitted from the Assistance Provided to Poverty-stricken Older Persons (APPO) Program of the provincial government in 2023, according to the report of Provincial Social Welfare Development Office (PSWDO).
In a recent interview, Leeshel U. Lopez, social welfare officer and Senior Citizen Programs Focal Person at the PSWDO, shed light on the impactful initiative APPO, including the Enhanced Social Pension Program. This initiative has been instrumental in supporting the elderly population in Apayao, particularly those facing economic hardships.
Launched in 2020 by the provincial government, the APPO program aims to provide essential assistance to indigent senior citizens across the province. Originally known as the Social Pension program, it underwent localization in 2022, adopting the Isnag term “APPO,” which translates to “lolo or lola” in English.
As of December 2023, there were 13,067 senior citizens in Apayao. Among them, 11,307 received social pensions from local government units (LGUs) and national funds, while 1,760 did not receive such pensions as they were already receiving benefits from other pension-providing institutions like the Social Security System or Government Service Insurance.
Under Provincial Resolution No. 142 series of 2022, the program extends support to specific categories of senior citizens. The “dagdag assistance program” provides an assistance package to 550 bedridden senior citizens, including essential items such as adult milk powder, oats, and adult diapers to improve their living conditions and overall well-being.
Another category of beneficiaries includes nonagenarians, defined under Republic Act No. 10868, also known as the “Centenarians Act of 2016.” Through an innovative approach, the PSWDO offers financial gifts of PhP20,000 to older citizens aged 95–99. This initiative has benefited 42 senior adults in this age group.
Republic Act No. 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, mandates additional government assistance, including a monthly stipend of PhP500. However, not all eligible individuals are able to avail of this provision, prompting LGUs to take proactive measures to address the needs of senior citizens.
The efforts of the local government in reaching out to senior citizens, especially those living in remote areas, have been appreciated by beneficiaries. Many bedridden or isolated older adults expressed gratitude for not being neglected and stressed the positive impact of cash rewards on their health and well-being.
Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr., for his love to the elders of Apayao, reminded the government workers and yApayaos to continue aiding and respecting elders to give back to their contribution to the progress and development of the province.
Bulut also assured of the sustainability of the program and the continuous support and assistance to indigent senior citizens in Apayao. By K. Castillo
