Romblon Governor Seeks Social Pension for Seniors with SSS, GSIS Pensions Below ₱5,000

Romblon Governor Trina Firmalo-Fabic has called on the national government to consider extending social pension assistance to senior citizens receiving less than ₱5,000 a month from SSS or GSIS.

She raised the appeal during Romblon’s observance of Elderly Filipino Week on October 2, 2026, in Looc, according to the supplied report citing the Philippine Information Agency.

The proposed expansion would cover older residents whose employment-based pensions may be insufficient for their daily needs. It is an appeal for broader coverage, not an announced change in eligibility.

Request for national consideration

Firmalo-Fabic argued that receiving a pension earned through previous employment should not automatically prevent a senior citizen from receiving additional government support.

She asked the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to pass a resolution addressed to the Office of the President and the National Commission of Senior Citizens, requesting consideration for seniors with low pensions.

The ₱5,000 figure refers to the proposed income threshold for inclusion. It is not the amount of social pension being requested for each beneficiary.

What the existing program provides

The DSWD’s Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens, or SocPen, provides ₱1,000 in monthly assistance to qualified indigent seniors under Republic Act 9994, as amended by Republic Act 11916. The assistance supports basic needs such as food and medicine. DSWD

DSWD’s published eligibility clarification identifies beneficiaries as indigent seniors who are frail, sickly, or have a disability and who have no pension, permanent income, or financial support from relatives. DSWD’s eligibility clarification

That distinction matters for SSS and GSIS pensioners: receiving less than ₱5,000 does not, by itself, establish eligibility for SocPen. The governor’s appeal seeks consideration beyond the existing criteria.

Provincial assistance for older residents

Firmalo-Fabic also highlighted Romblon’s own health and welfare programs.

The Romblon Health Access Program (R-HAP) provides qualified beneficiaries with a free card worth ₱5,000 for maintenance medicines and other medical needs. She encouraged seniors struggling to purchase medicines to apply through their municipal governments.

The province’s Governor’s Health Desks, located in municipalities and public hospitals, handle requests for medical assistance, burial assistance, and free ward confinement.

For bedridden seniors, the DEPARA Program, implemented with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, provides home visits, personal care, and assistance such as milk and rice.

The governor also cited Cash-for-Work and Food-for-Work activities carried out with the DSWD and municipal social welfare offices, including vegetable gardening intended to offer additional livelihood opportunities.

These provincial services address immediate needs while the proposed pension expansion awaits national consideration. Seniors should confirm the requirements for each existing program with their local government.