Reaching a hundred-year-old may be hard to achieve these days, given the kind of lifestyle that this generation is having. But there are still some who made it to the big 100-year-old and beyond. And the question left hanging, is there really a secret to a longer life?

Lolo Jose’s firmly holds his Php 100,000 gift from the government.

A simple answer from Lolo Jose (not his real name), when asked about his secret why he reached 100 years old, “utan ug isda ra gyud, (only vegetables and fish).” Lolo Jose added that keeping a positive view in life is one of the factors why he reached this age.

A hardworking man in his younger years, he was able to support his children’s’ education.  Hearing the news, Lolo Jose could not contain his excitement upon knowing that he would be receiving the said amount.

When asked what to use with his money, he cheerfully answered “ipalit ug bugas ug sud-an (I will buy rice and viand).” Lolo Jose also plans to renovate his room as he is living with his youngest daughter’s house in the midwest part of Cebu.

Some Centenarians may not be as healthy as Lolo Jose, but their faces exuded joy when they received the centenarian cash gift.

The Republic Act No. 10868 or Centenarian Act, Filipinos who reached 100 years old will receive cash gift worth Php 100,000.00 through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), this is the government’s way in honoring the centenarians.

Aside from the cash gift, the centenarians also received a letter of felicitation signed by the President of the Philippines.

During this COVID-19 pandemic, the DSWD Region 7 continues to distribute centenarian gifts to beneficiaries. As of June 2, 2020, the agency has already paid 47 centenarians across Region VII. ###

About 249 centenarians in Central Visayas have recently received their Letter of Felicitation signed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte congratulating them for their longevity.

The text of the letter starts with the name of the centenarian and his/her address.

In the body of the letter it states, “Turning a century old is the biggest milestone a person can achieve. You are very special and honored for all the great experiences and accomplishments that life has given you. May you be surrounded with happy memories from your family.”

The letter also quoted former US President Abraham Lincoln, “It is not the years in your life that counts, but the life in your years.”

President Duterte ended the letter by stating “May God continue to bless you with more years and good health.”

The letter was placed in a certificate frame.

This honoring and granting of additional benefits to centenarians is stipulated in Republic Act (RA) 10868 or the Centenarians Act of 2016, stating that all Filipinos, who have reached 100 years old and above, whether residing in the Philippines or abroad shall be honored with a Letter of Felicitation from the President of the Philippines and a cash gift in the amount of one hundred thousand pesos (Php 100,000.00).

All of the 249 centenarians had already received their cash gift last year.

Of the 249 centenarians who have received their cash gift, 128 are from Cebu, 75 are from Bohol while 38 and 8 are from Negros Oriental and Siquijor, respectively. ###