ILOILO City – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has distributed a total of P11.2 million in cash gifts to 112 centenarians across Western Visayas from January to June this year.
Each of the elderly recipients received P100,000 as part of the benefits under the Centenarians Act of 2016.
The breakdown of the beneficiaries includes five from Aklan, 12 from Antique, 24 from Capiz, three from Guimaras, 11 from Iloilo City, 49 from Iloilo Province, and five from Negros Occidental.
Atty. Carmelo Nochete, regional director of DSWD-6, said that currently, 78.32 percent of the targeted recipients have received their cash gifts, with only 31 remaining. Payout schedules have been established to complete the distributions.
Republic Act (RA) 10868 or the Centenarians Act of 2016 acknowledges Filipinos who have reached the age of 100, whether they reside in the Philippines or abroad. It ensures that living centenarians receive a Letter of Felicitation signed by the President, and deceased centenarians are honored with a Posthumous Plaque of Recognition from the national government through DSWD.
Furthermore, local government units (LGUs) are mandated to provide additional awards and incentives, the specifics of which are determined through local resolutions or ordinances.
The Centenarians Act’s implementation is overseen by DSWD Region 6’s Protective Services Division, led by Katherine Joy Malagad-Lamprea, with Doyien Castillo serving as the focal person.
In addition to the current benefits, DSWD is also preparing for the implementation of RA 11982, which will grant cash gifts of P10,000 to Filipinos reaching the ages of 80, 85, 90, 95, and 100.
This newly enacted legislation aims to expand support for the elderly, addressing milestones prior to the centenarian age.
“We are supportive of the newly enacted law and optimistic about other pending legislations for the welfare of the elderly,” said Nochete, citing ongoing efforts to enhance the protection and welfare of the elderly population.
The agency is currently awaiting the release of implementing rules and regulations to fully enact RA 11982./PN
