BAUANG, La Union —The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) in Ilocos underscored inclusive development and social equity through the ceremonial “first distribution” of cash gifts for senior citizen beneficiaries under Republic Act No. 11982 at the Bauang North-Central School Sports Complex.
The event, held on Feb. 24, was in line with the nationwide cash gift distribution, coinciding the first anniversary of the legislation’s signing.
RA 11982, also known as the “Expanded Centenarians Act,” provides cash incentives to Filipino senior citizens as they reach certain milestone ages.
Under this law, senior citizens receive ₱10,000 as they turn 80, 85, 90, and 95; and ₱100,000 cash gift when they reach 100 years old, as a way to honor their lifelong contributions to society.
The cash payout brought financial relief and a sense of appreciation and inclusion among the 22 beneficiaries from Bauang town, each receiving ₱10,000, reflecting the government’s aim to empower the elderly and promote fairness in community development.
The event ensured that the beneficiaries, often among society’s most vulnerable, not only receive financial aid but also gain access to essential services.
Immanuel Quiban, NCSC acting project development officer, said the activity is the first in a series of payouts that will be conducted this year for beneficiaries across the four provinces of the Ilocos Region.
“In the next two days, the NCSC will be providing cash gifts to 286 octogenarians, nonagenarians, and centenarians across the Ilocos Region,” Quiban said.
He noted that the initial 22 beneficiaries from the town were the first to meet the documentary requirements and were submitted to the NCSC Region 1 for approval.
Records of the next batch of beneficiaries were carefully reviewed by the NCSC in coordination with Offices for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCAs) to ensure they comply with the law.
Quiban also encouraged prospective beneficiaries and their representatives to visit their local OSCAs to submit applications for the cash gift and be considered for this year’s program.
Shalimar De Guzman, an administrative staff member of the Bauang Rural Health Unit, said free medical checkups were also provided to beneficiaries alongside the financial assistance provided by the NCSC.
“We offered free checkups and consultations to beneficiaries, along with vitamins and maintenance medicines for high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol,” De Guzman said.
A video presentation was also shown to inform the elderly on government programs to enhance their well-being by addressing their needs.
Milagros Aromin, 85, a beneficiary from Barangay Acao, expressed her gratitude for the assistance she received, emphasizing how it helps her meet her essential needs.
“Agyamanak iti gobyerno ken atuy inpaay da nga pagsay atan kadakami. Igatang ku atuy iti maintenance ku,” Aromin said.
(I am thankful to the government for the support they have provided us. With this aid, I can buy my maintenance medication.)
The NCSC’s initiative serves as a reminder of the government’s commitment to ensuring that senior citizens, often among the most vulnerable in society, are given the care, respect, and support they deserve.
For any inquiries, the NCSC Region 1 can be reached through their official email at [email protected], their Facebook page at National Commission of Senior Citizens – Cluster 1, and their website at ncsc.gov.ph. (AMB/CCMT, PIA La Union)
