KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) – The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) urged senior citizens in Soccsksargen to take part in the commission’s database buildup for the country’s elderly by filling out the Senior Citizens Data Form or registering online through its website.
In order to facilitate their inclusion in the database for eligible recipients, NCSC Commissioner Edwin Espejo specifically appealed to octogenarians and nonagenarians to ensure proper registration and early counting.
In February, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed into law Republic Act No. 11982, or the Expanded Centenarians Act, which grants a cash gift of P100,000 and a Letter of Felicitation to senior citizens who reach 100 years old.
It also provides cash gifts of P10,000 for each senior citizen who reaches the milestone ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95.
“We are committed to ensuring that every senior citizen receives the benefits they deserve,” said Espejo.
“The Expanded Centenarian Act is a testament to our nation’s respect and gratitude for our elders, and it is imperative that we reach every eligible individual,” he explained.
Espejo also prodded local government units (LGUs), through their Offices for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCAs), to expedite the registration process for senior citizens in their localities.
As of April 2024, LGUs have listed a total of 401,007 senior citizens in the entire region.
Under the law, more than 12,000 senior citizens are eligible to receive benefits during the first year of its implementation.
NCSC, in coordination with concerned agencies, has been finalizing the guidelines for RA 11982, which officially took effect on March 17, 2024.
As of June 20, over 5.6 million senior citizens had registered nationwide.
“By registering online, senior citizens can ensure they are part of our official records and can receive their benefits without delay,” said Espejo.
Soccsksargen comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Cotabato Province, and Sarangani, as well as the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan, and Cotabato.
The official also noted the significance of the initiative, adding, “This is more than just a registration drive; it is a movement to honor and uplift our senior citizens.
Esjejo stated that the NCSC values the senior citizens’ “invaluable contributions to our society, and we must ensure they receive the utmost respect and care.”
For more information on how to register online, NCSC advised senior citizens and their families to visit the agency’s website (www.ncsc.gov.ph) or contact the OSCA offices in their respective areas. (ORVR – PIA Region 12)
