Koronadal City – More than 30 jail detainees who reached 60 years of age and above from the South Cotabato Rehabilitation and Detention Center, received P3000 cash subsidy from DSWD12 after being identified as recipients of social pension program.

Ryan Balanza, chief of protective services division said that an advisory from the central office stipulated the commencement of payout for the identified recipients.

“The payout manifested the non-exclusivity of the program to ensure that seniors regardless of status are served, as long as they are qualified and identified indigent”, Balanza said.

Alias “Edwin”, 68 years old, with a murder case and detained for 6months now received his 1st semester stipend thanked the government for the financial support to elderly like him.

He said, “may pambili na ako ng kape, gatas, kalamay kag colgate (I have something to buy coffee, milk, sugar and toothpaste).”

“Edwin” is only one among the 118 identified recipients in SOCCSKSARGEN region.