Senior citizens in Mangaldan, Pangasinan have started claiming their social pension on Thursday, December 5, 2025, as the local government implemented a strict schedule to avoid crowding and long lines.

Jovita Castañares was among the early beneficiaries who went to the Macario Ydia Development Center (MYDC) to claim her ₱3,000 pension from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). She said the cash helps her sustain her daily needs, especially food and medicine.

“Malaking tulong na ito sa akin, pambili ng pagkain, gamot, gatas kaya maganda na mayroon na ito,” she said.

More than 1,200 senior citizens from 30 barangays were listed for the payout, prompting the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) to enforce a scheduling system.

OSCA-Mangaldan President Ruben Reside said the system has improved the flow of beneficiaries during payout days.

“Na-master na natin itong sistema kaya alam na natin kung paano ang dapat gawin para hindi magulo,” he said.

For bedridden beneficiaries who cannot travel to MYDC, payout masters will personally bring the assistance to their homes. Barangay David Senior Citizen President Anselmo Patayan said five seniors in their area are expected to receive home visits.

“Ang bedridden sa barangay namin ay lima, nagsabi na ang DSWD na pupunta sila doon baka bukas para maibigay ang pera,” he said.

The local government said the organized distribution aims to make the process easier and more comfortable for elderly residents.