KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) – A total of 159 centenarians in the Soccsksargen region have received P100,000 in incentives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) under the Marcos administration.
Loreto Cabaya Jr., regional director of the DSWD in Region 12, emphasized that the agency continues to implement the Centenarian Program to recognize Filipino citizens who have reached the age of 100 and above.
He said that since 2022, a total of 159 centenarians in the region have already received P100,000 each.
Out of the aforementioned number of beneficiaries, 50 centenarians received benefits in 2022, 54 in 2023, and 55 in 2024.
“Ang Centenarian Program ay pagbibigay ng tulong doon sa umabot sa 100 taon. Hindi lang ito pagbibigay ng tulong doon sa mga umabot sa 100 taon kundi pagbibigay rin ng reminder doon sa pamilya na dapat alagaan natin ‘yong ating mga matatanda,” Cabaya stated.
(The Centenarian Program provides assistance to those who have reached 100 years. This program not only provides assistance to individuals who have reached 100 years old, but also serves as a reminder to the family about the importance of taking care of the elderly.)
Under Republic Act 10868, also known as the Centenarians Act of 2016, the President of the Philippines will honor all Filipinos who turn 100 years old, whether they live in the Philippines or abroad, with a letter of felicitation congratulating them on their longevity and a “centenarian gift” worth P100,000.
In addition to the monetary gift, the DSWD offers a plaque of recognition that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. personally signs.
“Ang kagandahan nito, ako personally ang pumupunta o kaya ang staff natin na available. Kasi kasama po nito, hindi lang yung pagbibigay ng pera kundi yung plaque na pirmado mismo ng ating mahal na presidente,” Cabaya added.
(The best part is that I personally distribute the benefit to our centenarian or any other available staff member. This is due to the fact that we not only provide them with cash incentives, but we are also bringing them the plaque that our esteemed president has specially signed.)
Cabaya also clarified that DSWD continues to conduct validation for other senior citizens who can take advantage of the program.
The DSWD also advised the centenarians’ relatives to coordinate with the city or municipal social welfare office and/or the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) in their respective localities for updates. (ORVR – PIA Region 12)
