The local government said it has validated 30 centenarians here who will receive cash incentives worth PHP200,000 each on Oct. 3.

Lawyer Marlisa Gallo, City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) chief, said the city will provide PHP100,000 on top of the PHP100,000 allocated by the national government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development for centenarians annually.

“This will serve as the government’s gift to the centenarians for their lifelong contribution in nation-building,” she said.

To qualify, the awardee must be a Filipino citizen who has reached 100 years old and above, is a registered voter, and physically residing for at least three consecutive years in Davao City.

Gallo said that based on their validated list, the oldest Dabawenyo is 114 years old, and 24 out of 30 centenarians are women.

More centenarians are being validated to qualify for the cash grant, she said.

“We are still validating as of the moment, and we were also informed by the DSWD that some who were not on our list also celebrated their birthdays. We will do our best to include them. If we cannot, then we will do our best to give to them,” she said in the dialect.

Those who are validated after the awarding may still claim the incentives by accomplishing the application form from CSWDO-District Office and present a birth certificate or passport. Primary and secondary IDs may also be accepted. (PNA)