The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod has urged the city government to immediately begin implementing its social pension program for persons with disabilities, starting with at least 1,000 qualified beneficiaries already identified through barangay screening, a press release on Oct. 5 said.
The resolution, authored by Councilors Caesar Distrito and Celia Flor, calls on the Department of Social Services and Development and the City Budget Office, through Mayor Greg Gasataya, to provide the funding needed for the initial rollout.
The first batch will come from qualified PWDs identified by barangay screening committees in coordination with the Persons with Disability Affairs Office.
The city council is also seeking the gradual expansion of the program to include other qualified beneficiaries as additional funding becomes available.
Distrito said the city already has the legal basis and an initial list of beneficiaries, and should now move toward actual implementation.
“We have already enacted the law, and our barangays, through their Screening Committees and PDAO, have already undertaken the identification of prospective beneficiaries. The next important step is implementation,” he said.
The social pension program was established under City Ordinance No. 1010, Series of 2022, which created a fund for qualified senior citizens and PWDs in Bacolod City.
The ordinance provides financial assistance intended to help beneficiaries meet basic, medical and other essential needs.
The PWD component was later expanded through City Ordinance No. 1137, Series of 2026, or the PWD Social Pension Reform Ordinance of Bacolod City, authored by Distrito.
The amendatory ordinance broadened the qualifications for PWD beneficiaries and eased eligibility requirements.
Those who may qualify include bedridden PWDs, persons with cancer, terminal illnesses or severe health conditions, unemployed PWDs with two or more dependents, and those living alone or with another PWD or senior citizen.
It also covers children with disabilities, including those with autism and Down syndrome, persons with epilepsy or chronic psychosocial disabilities, those with visual impairment or blindness in both eyes, persons with serious physical or orthopedic impairments, and deaf-mute persons, subject to the requirements of the ordinance.
Qualified beneficiaries must have lived in Bacolod City for at least one year and meet the prescribed income requirement.
Distrito said the city should not wait until enough money is available to cover all qualified PWDs before starting the program.
“If we cannot immediately cover everyone, then let us start with the first 1,000 qualified beneficiaries. What is important is that we begin,” he said.
He said the pension could help PWDs and their families pay for medicines, food, transportation, therapy and other daily needs.
Under the resolution, the DSSD is being asked to validate and register the beneficiaries in coordination with PDAO, barangays and other concerned offices.
The City Budget Office, meanwhile, is being urged to identify a funding source under the current or supplemental budget, or include the necessary appropriation in the next annual budget, subject to existing budgeting, accounting and auditing rules.*
[sibwp_form id=1]