The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday reported that a total of PHP98.2 million worth of cash gift has been released to 982 centenarians in Central Visayas.

The amount and the number of 100-year-old senior citizens who have received the PHP100,000 cash gift were recorded since the inception of the government program under Republic Act (RA) 10868 or the Centenarian Act of 2016.

Shalaine Marie Lucero, regional director of DSWD-7, said that aside from the cash gift, the privilege also includes a felicitation letter from the Philippine President, a posthumous recognition for those who died after their birthday, and incentives from their local government unit.

Of the 982 centenarians who received the cash gift, 273 are from Bohol; 462 from Cebu; 212 from Negros Oriental; and 35 from Siquijor.

Lucero said that as of the third quarter of 2024, DSWD has served 77 centenarians with the benefits under the law.

“If you have a family member who is about to turn 100 years old, coordinate with your local social welfare and development office or the office of senior citizens affairs to receive information on requirements, processes, and privileges,” she said.

Lucero said DSWD currently implements RA 10868 but it will be transferred to the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) in 2025, along with the implementation of the Expanded Centenarians Act, which grants cash gifts to senior citizens under the age milestones of 80, 85, 90, and 95.

“We intend to personally hand in the cash gift to them before or during their birthdays so that they will feel the pride and recognition for their contribution to our nation. That’s why, we encourage relatives to process the application ahead of time,” she added. (PNA)