In a momentous move to honor and support the elderly, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD FO CAR) has commenced the distribution of cash incentives to centenarians for the year 2024. This activity aims to recognize the invaluable contributions of the region’s oldest citizens, with 80 centenarians expected to receive Php100,000.00 each from the agency.

As of 28 May 2024, DSWD FO CAR has already distributed cash incentives to 552 centenarians since its inception in 2017. Abra has the highest number of grantees with 117, followed by Benguet with 106, Ifugao with 88, Mountain Province with 86, Kalinga with 68, Baguio City with 54, and Apayao with the lowest at 33. Of the 552 grantees, 162 are male and 389 are female.

In the first semester of 2024, DSWD-CAR has granted incentives to 35 centenarians: 8 in Abra, 1 in Apayao, 2 in Baguio City, 8 in Benguet, 6 in Ifugao, 7 in Kalinga, and 3 in Mountain Province with a breakdown of 9 males and 26 females.

The Republic Act No. 10868 known as The Centenarians Act of 2016 ensures that all Filipinos who reach the age of 100, whether residing in the Philippines or abroad, received a Letter of Felicitation from the President of the Philippines and a cash gift of PhP100,000.00.

To avail of the said cash gift, identified centenarian must undergo a thorough verification by the Local Social Welfare and Development Office (LSWDO) or the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA). The said centenarian or their authorized representative must present proof of age such as birth certificate or passport. If unavailable, any Philippine government issued ID may be presented showing Filipino citizenship and date of birth for confirmation.

The distribution of the said cash gift incentives to the qualified centenarians was done through home delivery. In addition to the cash incentive and a letter of Felicitation from the Office of the President, the centenarian also received a Certificate of Recognition from the DSWD.

“Our centenarians have played a vital role in shaping our nations-history. The cash incentives are a modest gesture of appreciation in comparison to the immense love and care they received from their families. Let us honor their legacy and embrace the wisdom they impart” said Regional Director Maria A. Catbagan-Aplaten. # DSWD FIELD OFFICE CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, HAZEL ANN BUY-O with MICHELLE B. PINMILIW, Centenarian Focal.