By Eliane Portillo

Mexican President Felipe Calderon on Tuesday opened a program to benefit 3.5 million senior citizens who do not receive pensions with 1000 Mexican pesos (37 dollars) a month each.

The program was launched in 2007 to benefit about one million people, but it currently reaches out for 2.15 million senior citizens. The next goal is to benefit 3.5 million. This assistance will only be provided to people living in rural zones this year, and it will be spread to marginalized neighbors in the cities.

Felipe Calderon said that the amount to be delivered is still insufficient, but it is a help for the most needed.

He assured the assistance is provided through a bank debit card without any political manipulation, with total transparency and controlled by the Country's Higher Audit.

The program was launched at the Naucalli Park, in the municipality of Naucalpan, in Ciudad Juarez, state of Mexico, in the presence of 2,500 people.