Some 130 centenarians in the Central Visayas region will receive a cash gift of Php 100,000 each from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

As stipulated in Republic Act 10868, or the Centenarian Act of 2016, individuals who have reached 100 years of age and above, whether residing in the Philippines or abroad, will be granted a cash gift amounting to Php 100,000 and a felicitation letter from the President of the Philippines.

DSWD and local government units, through the local social welfare and development offices, implemented the law, which led to the identification and validation of centenarians.

As of March 2024, DSWD 7 reported that 24 have already been paid (5 in Bohol, 9 in Cebu, 8 in Negros Oriental, and 2 in Siquijor province).

DSWD 7 continues to monitor and provide technical assistance to local social welfare and development offices on compliance with requirements by the family of the centenarians.

It underscores the government’s commitment to the well-being of senior citizens and their significant contribution to nation-building.

DSWD 7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero said that the cash gift benefits the centenarians by allowing them to reap the fruits of their long years of existence. “We hope that with their longevity, they would set an example for others to live a healthy lifestyle, be in good shape, and enjoy life to the fullest for them to reach 100 years,” she said.

Stories of the resilience and fortitude of centenarians inspire individuals facing the challenges of the modern world.

Centenarians in 2023

In 2023, a total of 154 centenarians in Central Visayas received cash gifts: 40 from Bohol, 71 from Cebu, 37 from Negros Oriental, and six (6) from Siquijor.

Females comprised 82% of the centenarians, while 18% were male.

DSWD delivered both the cash gifts and felicitation letters from the President to the house of the centenarians.

Of the 154, twelve (12) deceased centenarians who reached 100 years old before their deaths received posthumous recognition through their nearest surviving relatives

Cash gift for 80-90 year olds

RA 11982, also known as “An Act Granting Benefits to Filipino Octogenarians and Nonagenarians, Amending for the Purpose of RA 10868,” expands the Centenarians Law to provide cash incentives to seniors aged 80, 85, 90, and 95.

In this new law, senior citizens, whether residing in the Philippines or abroad, will receive a Php 10,000 cash incentive at every age milestone and will still receive Php 100,000 upon reaching 100 years old.

The Department is now formulating its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for this law.

While waiting for the IRR, DSWD 7 has already submitted to the Central Office the list of senior citizens aged 75–80, 85–90, and 95 years old in the region. ###

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