Nearly ₱100 million has been distributed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as cash gift to some 982 centenarians in Central Visayas.

This was learned from DSWD Region VII director Shalaine Marie Lucero who lined out that the amount and the number of 100-year-old senior citizens were recorded since the inception of the government program under Republic Act (RA) 10868 or the Centenarian Act of 2016.

Lucero likewise stated that aside from the cash gift, the privilege also included a felicitation letter from President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. as a posthumous recognition for those who died after their birthday.

Of the 982 centenarians who received the cash gift, 273 were from Bohol, 462 from Cebu, 212 from Negros Oriental and 35 from the island of Siquijor.

Lucero said that as of the third quarter of 2024, DSWD has served 77 centenarians with the benefits under the law.

“If you have a family member who is about to turn 100 years old, coordinate with your local social welfare and development office or the office of senior citizen’s affairs to receive information on requirements, processes and privileges,” she announced.

The regional director also informed the beneficiaries that the DSWD is currently implementing RA 10868 but distribution of the cash gifts will eventually be transferred to the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) by 2025.

“This will be done along with the implementation of the Expanded Centenarians Act, which grants cash gifts to senior citizens under the age milestones of 80, 85, 90 and 95,” she added.

As a final word, the families of senior citizens are urged to process the application of their elderly relatives ahead of time.

“We intend to personally hand in the cash gift to them before or during their birthdays so that they will feel the pride and recognition for their contribution to our nation,” Lucero concluded.