More than 190,800 indigent senior citizens in the Caraga Region received social pensions last year, exceeding the government’s target, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported Tuesday.

The DSWD 13 (Caraga) said it released approximately PHP2.1 billion in stipends to 190,841 beneficiaries across the region’s five provinces in 2025, surpassing its target of 184,700.

In a statement, it credited the successful distribution of the stipends to the local government units’ (LGUs) efficient implementation of the fund transfer scheme.

“In line with the directive of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the Regional Social Pension Unit ensured the implementation of the Transfer of Funds scheme, with 68 out of 73 local government units enrolled in 2025,” the DSWD-13 said.

Under this scheme, funds are transferred once to LGU trust accounts and disbursed quarterly to beneficiaries.

To ensure proper auditing, the DSWD-13 conducted fiduciary reviews for LGU personnel handling the process.

It also recognized the LGU of San Luis in Agusan del Sur as an outstanding national program implementer last year.

Beyond pension distribution, the DSWD-13 strengthened case management for vulnerable seniors through its “Help Enhance the Living Condition to Protect Older Persons” framework.

“We thank our LGU partners for their continued support and cooperation. This strong partnership allows us to deliver timely assistance and ensure that our indigent senior citizens receive the care and protection they deserve,” DSWD-13 Director Mari-Flor Dollaga said.

The regional social welfare office, she said, would sustain the program’s momentum this year. (PNA)