PAGADIAN CITY (PIA)—The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) in Zamboanga Peninsula, in partnership with the City Government of Pagadian, has distributed P10,000 cash gifts to 110 elderly citizens, making them as the first recipients under Republic Act No. 11982 or the Expanded Centenarians Act of 2024 in the city.

This law expands the recognition of Filipino senior citizens by granting them a monetary reward upon reaching the ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95.

The program aims to honor their contributions to their families, communities, and the nation while promoting their dignity, health, and well-being.

Among the beneficiaries is 90-year-old Peter Manghay from Pagadian City, who expressed his deep gratitude.

“Dako nakong pasalamat kay wala gyud ta kalimti sa atong gobyerno. Salamat kaayo sa tanan ilabina sa nagdumala niini,” he said.

(I’m very thankful that our government has not forgotten us. Thank you to everyone, especially to those behind this program.)

He shared that part of the amount he received will be used for his daily needs and maintenance medication.

Mila B. Adonis, head of the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), lauded the program for its inclusivity.

“Maayo kaayo ni nga programa kay edad ra man ang basehan. Dili biya tanan makaabot aning edad unya maayo kay naa pa gyud atong panggamhanan nga naghuna-huna kanila,” she said.

(This is a very good program because age is the only requirement. Not everyone reaches these ages, and it’s good that our government is thinking of them.)

Adonis also appealed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to approve the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the Universal Pension.

“Manghinaot ko nga si Presidente Bongbong Marcos nga mahatagan niya ug pagtagad ang maong pag-aprobar sa maong IRR kay mao nay dakong ikalipay sa mga senior citizens,” she added.

(I hope President Bongbong Marcos will give it attention and approve it, as this will bring great joy to the senior citizens.)

She encouraged senior citizens to be thankful to the officials who continue to find ways to help them.

“Magpasalamat gyud sila sa mga opisyales nga wala gyud kapool nga mangita ug paagi makatabang sa mga senior citizens,” she said.

(They should really thank the officials who tirelessly find ways to help the senior citizens.)

NCSC Officer-in-Charge Director Jorry E. Padayogdog emphasized that the initiative is the government’s way of honoring its elders.

“It is a way for the government to acknowledge the contributions of our senior citizens. Dili nato ma-experience ang kalamboan na nasinati sa mga kabatan-onan kun dili tungod sa wisdom, experience ug skills nila,” he said.

(We would not be experiencing the progress our youth enjoy today if not for the wisdom, experience, and skills of our senior citizens.)

The NCSC vows to continue working with local governments to ensure that programs promoting the welfare of senior citizens are effectively implemented across the region. (EDT/HTB/PIA-9/Zamboanga del Sur)