The Republic Act 10868, better known as the Centenarians Act of 2016, represents a profound gesture of the Filipino nation’s respect and care towards its elderly population. This legislation ensures that Filipinos who reach the age of 100 receive not just a Letter of Felicitation from the President but also a cash gift of P100,000, acknowledging their longevity and societal contributions. The recent amendments through RA 11982 further extend this support to include octogenarians and nonagenarians, providing them with a P10,000 cash gift upon reaching 80 years old and every five years thereafter. This expansion underlines the growing need to support the elderly in the Philippines, where the senior population is expected to swell to around 14.7 million by 2030. These legislative measures aim to offer senior Filipinos the recognition and support they deserve to live with dignity during their later years.
The Centenarian Act’s benefits are manifold, directly addressing the needs of Filipino centenarians by awarding them a significant cash gift upon reaching the age of 100, regardless of their residence in the Philippines or abroad. This cash gift serves as a token of the nation’s gratitude for their century-long journey, while the Letter of Felicitation from the President adds a personal touch of recognition. For those who have passed away, their families are honored with a Posthumous Plaque of Recognition, ensuring that the memories of these centenarians are celebrated. Eligibility for these benefits requires the individual to be a Filipino citizen who has reached or surpassed the age of 100, with the necessary documentation provided for verification. This initiative by the DSWD, supported by local offices, aims to streamline the application and verification process, ensuring that the benefits reach deserving seniors or their families in a timely manner.
Significance of the Act
The Republic Act 10868, also known as the Centenarians Act of 2016, is a landmark piece of Filipino legislation that underscores the nation’s respect and care for its elderly population. This law provides a Letter of Felicitation from the President of the Philippines and a cash gift of P100,000 to all Filipinos who reach the age of 100, honoring their longevity and contributions to society. Furthermore, recent updates to this legislation, such as RA 11982, have expanded its reach to include octogenarians and nonagenarians, offering them a cash gift of P10,000 upon reaching the age of 80 and every five years thereafter. This expansion reflects the significance of supporting the growing elderly population in the Philippines – according to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the number of senior citizens in the country is projected to reach around 14.7 million by 2030. These measures aim to ensure that senior Filipinos are recognized and provided with the necessary support to live with dignity in their later years.
Benefits of the Centenarian Act
At the heart of RA 10868 is the provision of benefits to Filipino centenarians.
- Upon reaching the remarkable age of 100 years, whether residing in the Philippines or abroad, 100-year-old seniors are awarded a cash gift of PHP 100,000.
- This is a token of the nation’s recognition of their longevity and the life experiences they have gathered over a century.
- Moreover, eligible seniors receive a Letter of Felicitation from the President of the Philippines.
- This letter is not just a formality; it’s a personal acknowledgment from the highest office in the land, signifying the nation’s collective pride.
- Meanwhile, for those who have passed away, a Posthumous Plaque of Recognition is granted to their families, ensuring that their memory continues to be honored.
Eligibility / Qualifications
To be eligible for this kind of benefit, one must naturally be a Filipino citizen who has reached 100 years of age.
This milestone can be celebrated within the year of reaching the age or after, as the legislation does not specify a deadline for the recognition.
Requirements
- A birth certificate or Philippine passport serves as the primary proof of age and citizenship.
- In the absence of these documents, any Philippine government-issued ID that shows the seniors’s residency and birth date can be used, such as an OSCA ID, driver’s license, GSIS or SSS ID, PRC ID, or a postal ID.
- If the beneficiary is unable to present these IDs, alternative documents can be submitted. These include a marriage certificate, birth certificates of children, old school or employment records, baptismal or confirmation records, medical or dental records, or an affidavit of two disinterested persons who can attest to the senior’s age.
- For posthumous recognition, a death certificate and a copy of a government-issued ID of the nearest surviving relative are needed.
- Additionally, a Birth Certificate of the deceased beneficiary and a Special Power of Attorney from the nearest kin, if they’re unable to personally claim the benefits, are required.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the DSWD Centenarian Program & Get Centenarian Benefits
The application process for the program’s benefits under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Centenarian Act Program is outlined in a few straightforward steps:
- Submission of Documents: The senior citizen or their next of kin should submit the required documents to the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs or the Local Social Welfare and Development Office.
- Verification: The local office will then verify the documents and endorse the application to the DSWD Field Office.
- Endorsement: The Field Office conducts further validation and processes the application.
- Release of Benefits: Upon successful validation, the benefits are released either through a ceremonial turnover or direct payment to them or their family.
Recent Update: Expanded Centenarians Act: A Financial Boost for Senior Citizens
Here’s some great news – thanks to the PBBM administration! Senior citizens aged 80 and above are now eligible to receive a PhP 10,000 grant every five years starting from their 80th birthday. This update is part of the details outlined in the Expanded Centenarians Act, aiming to provide financial support to our octogenarians and nonagenarians. Upon reaching 100, beneficiaries receive Php 100,000 and a letter of felicitation as stipulated in the prior version of the Act.
Stories from Centenarian Beneficiaries of the Program
Four cherished centenarians from Muntinlupa have joyfully and gratefully received PHP 100,000 in cash from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, in coordination with the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) led by Ms. Zenaida Celestino.
This monetary gift complements the initiative of Mayor Ruffy Biazon who had previously distributed the same amount to Joaquina Alvarez of Brgy. Putatan, Libertad Gervasio of Brgy. Ayala Alabang, Barry Abella of Brgy. Cupang, and Anselma Malacca of Alabang Hills, Brgy. Cupang, personally visiting each at their homes.
The cash incentive is grounded in City Ordinance No. 2018-147 and RA10868, also known as the Centenarian Act of 2016. These senior citizens have lived through historical challenges, from the First World War to the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
When asked about the secret to a long life, Lola Anselma cheekily recommended playing mahjong, highlighting a spirit as lively as the games she cherishes.
Celebrating Longevity: DSWD Honors Over 12,000 Centenarians
In a commendable pursuit to honor the country’s eldest citizens, the Department of Social Welfare and Development has successfully recognized and rewarded incentives to more than 12,000 beneficiaries across the Philippines.
Assistant Secretary Romel Lopez revealed last October 31 that from 2017 to September 2023, a total of 12,186 Filipinos aged 100 years and above have been celebrated through the Program.
This initiative is a heartfelt implementation of RA No. 10868, also known as the Centenarians Act of 2016, affirming the nation’s respect and gratitude for its senior members.
Video: A Centennial Milestone for Tatay Menting
On May 11, 2023, Clementino S. Alico, affectionately known as “Tatay Menting,” gratefully received PHP 100,000.00 in celebration of his 100th birthday, a gift accorded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development in accordance with the Centenarians Act of 2016. Tatay Menting is renowned as the inaugural barangay captain of Malixi in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur and has contributed significantly to the municipality’s development over the years. Alongside DSWD Caraga, Mayor Hon. Glaiza Jane P. Lanete expressed gratitude to the department for its steadfast enforcement of the law and for facilitating the delivery of the cash gift.