ISABELA CITY, Basilan (PIA) – Senior citizens in Isabela City de Basilan expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr for the cash gift they received during its inaugural distribution under Republic Act 11982 or Expanded Centenarian Act.
A total of P230,000 cash gift was distributed, benefiting 13 senior citizens.
Twelve octogenarians, aged 80 to 89, each received P10,000; while one centenarian, Aksaria Abduhalim, 100 years old and residing in Barangay Riverside, was granted P100,000.
The cash gift distribution aligns with the provisions of Republic Act No. 11982, which amends previous centenarian legislation and extends financial recognition to senior Filipinos at various milestone ages.
In an interview, Abduhalim shared her insights attributing her longevity to a simple yet meaningful lifestyle. She expressed her gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for supporting senior citizens.
“Magsukul ha president iban kaniyu nakareceive ako sin sin, magsukul kaniyu katan tan tiabangan niyo ako. Magsukul ha nakareceive ako hanggatos,” she said, thanking both the President and the community for recognizing her contribution and providing assistance.
(Thank you president and I received this money, thank you very much for helping me. Thank you and I received one hundred thousand.)
OIC Regional Director Jorry Padayogdog of NCSC-9 expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the City Government of Isabela, the CSWDO, and other partners for their vital contribution to the event’s success considering it as symbolic day since Republic Act No. 11982, otherwise known as Expanded Centenarian Act of 2024 was signed and approved by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on February 26, 2024.
Padayogdog emphasized the initiative’s intent to uplift and recognize the invaluable contributions of octogenarians, nonagenarians, and centenarians to the society. He said that the wisdom and experiences shared by elders enrich today’s youth.
Furthermore, City Administrator Pedrito Eisma, representing Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, spoke about the expanded act’s importance, underscoring the integral role of seniors to their families and communities.
Meanwhile, senior citizens also attended an informative session on mental health and dementia care by the Department of Health Zamboanga Peninsula Center for Health Development to provide the senior citizens enough knowledge on how they are going to cope up with mental problems especially in their age.
Additionally, Sherlyn Enriquez of PhilHealth discussed the benefits of maintaining a PhilHealth ID and the services available to senior citizens.
Other beneficiaries hoped that the inaugural cash gift distribution marked a significant step in recognizing and supporting the elderly population, reinforcing the government’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of senior citizens nationwide
Under RA 11982, all Filipinos, whether residing in the Philippine or abroad, upon reaching the age of one hundred (100) years old, shall receive a cash gift of One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) and a letter of felicitation from the President of the Philippines congratulating the celebrant for his or her longevity.(EDT/NDR/LAU-PIA Basilan)
