“We at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) remain committed to working under our guiding principle of providing services with Kalinga at Pagmamahal to the most vulnerable sectors of our society, including our senior citizens. As we continue to facilitate the provision of cash incentive to our seniors who have reached 100 years old under the Centenarians Act of 2016, we help extend the needed assistance to them while honoring them and recognizing their contributions to our society.”
This is what DSWD Secretary Virginia N. Orogo emphasized as she provided updates on the status of the implementation of the Centenarians Act of 2016.
“As of August 2018, the DSWD has released a total of P100,900,000 for the cash gift of 1,009 centenarians in the country,” the Secretary reported.
The Department has allocated a total of P163,900,000 for the P100,000 cash incentive of 1,639 target number of centenarians for this year.
Under Republic Act (RA) 10868 or the Centenarians Act of 2016, all Filipinos who reach 100 years old, whether residing in the Philippines or abroad, will be honored with a Letter of Felicitation from the President of the Philippines congratulating the celebrant for his or her longevity; and a centenarian gift in the amount of ₱100,000.
Signed on June 23, 2016, the law further specifies that the centenarians shall also be awarded a plaque of recognition and a cash incentive by their respective city or municipal governments in appropriate ceremonies during the first Sunday of October, which was declared as National Respect for Centenarians Day.
Concerned local government units shall determine the amount of the cash incentive.
A total of 2,739 seniors who turned 100 years old in 2016 received the one-time cash gift for a total amount of P273,900,000. In 2017, some 940 centenarians received the P100,000 cash gift, amounting to P94,000,000.
“Our field offices in the regions are still conducting the payout for the remaining unpaid centenarians for the year. We aim to complete the distribution of the cash gift as soon as possible so our centenarians could start enjoying the incentive with their loved ones,” Sec. Orogo added.
Last week, DSWD FO VI awarded 33 centenarians in Western Visayas with their cash gift during the field office’s celebration of the Elderly Family Week.
When asked how they will use their money, one centenarian replied, “I will use this to buy medicines and vitamins,” while another said, “I will give some to my grandchildren.” # Source – www.dswd.gov.ph
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