ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) remains committed to fostering a supportive and empowering environment for elderly Filipinos, implementing a range of comprehensive programs.
The recent distribution of cash gifts across the Zamboanga Peninsula, under Republic Act 11982, the Expanded Centenarians Act, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Feb. 26, 2024, exemplifies this commitment. This legislation acknowledges and supports octogenarians, nonagenarians and centenarians throughout the Philippines.
During a recent appearance on Kapihan na Zamboanga, NCSC Zamboanga officer-in-charge Jorry Padayogdog shared details of the cash gift distribution. He reported that in Isabela City, Basilan, 13 beneficiaries received financial aid: 12 octogenarians and nonagenarians received P10,000 each, and one centenarian, aged 100, received P100,000 from the national government. Similarly, eight senior citizens in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur, each received P10,000 under the act, providing financial assistance for their personal needs.
Padayogdog addressed initial skepticism from some beneficiaries.
“At first, there were doubts from our senior citizens whether they would receive the cash gift, or if it was merely a profiling initiative, but they were overjoyed upon receiving the incentive,” Padayogdog explained.
This experience has encouraged other eligible individuals aged 80, 85, 90, 95 and 100 to recognize the government’s appreciation for the longevity and contributions of senior citizens.
NCSC highlighted its ongoing program initiatives, notably the Senior Citizens’ Action for Development and Nation-Building (SECADNA) program, which empowers senior citizens through livelihood programs and community engagement, maximizing their contributions to national development.
Other programs include wellness and health emergency response training for seniors, and capacity-building assistance for senior citizen associations in every barangay, focusing on the proper conduct of meetings and parliamentary procedures.
The Senior Citizens Policy and Development or Planning program involves collaboration with local government units to encourage the creation, implementation and provision of new resolutions and ordinances that directly benefit the elderly within their communities.
Padayogdog urged partner LGUs to expedite the submission of requirements under the Expanded Centenarians Act to support NCSC’s nationwide initiative, noting that only 46% of LGUs in the Zamboanga Peninsula have complied.
“Let’s work together to support our senior citizens and assist them in complying with the requirements,” he concluded. (EDT/JFT/PIA9-ZAMSULTA)
