To ensure widespread awareness of the Expanded Centenarian Act, Dr. Mary Jean Loreche, Officer-in-Charge and Commission Member IV of the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), remains tireless in her efforts to promote the law, focusing on its benefits for senior citizens. Dr. Loreche continues to actively engage with media platforms to reach senior citizens who will attain milestone ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95 in 2025. These individuals are entitled to a cash gift of ₱10,000 under the Act.
On January 4, 2024, Dr. Loreche appeared live on TeleRadyo Serbisyo and DWPM Radyo 630's Pasado Serbisyo program, hosted by Michael Delizo. During the interview, she emphasized the crucial role of senior citizens in nation-building and highlighted the importance of recognizing their contributions. She described the Philippines as an aging nation, attributing increased life expectancy to advancements in technology, medicine, and senior citizen welfare programs. She assured the public that the NCSC remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard and promote the rights of senior citizens.
On January 7, 2025, Dr. Loreche appeared on Sagot Kita, a program broadcast on True FM and True FM TV by TV5 Network, Inc., hosted by Cheryl Cosim. In her interview, she reiterated the coverage and significance of the Expanded Centenarian Act, emphasizing its inclusivity and simplified processes.
The Expanded Centenarian Act was signed into law on February 26, 2024, and came into effect on March 17, 2024.
It extends the benefits previously granted to centenarians to include octogenarians and nonagenarians. Dr. Loreche highlighted that the law provides a ₱10,000 cash gift for eligible senior citizens. The application process has been streamlined, with secondary IDs now accepted for easier verification. Additionally, the law mandates the establishment of the Elderly Data Management System (EDMS), a centralized database to store and manage senior citizens' information, ensuring efficient service delivery.
Dr. Loreche described the law as a transformative step in recognizing the invaluable contributions of senior citizens. She emphasized that the cash gift uplifts this vulnerable sector and serves as a tribute to their lifelong service to the nation.
Through the Expanded Centenarian Act, the NCSC aims to enhance the welfare of senior citizens and ensure their dignity and well-being. This milestone legislation reflects the nation’s gratitude and respect for its elderly population, laying the foundation for a brighter, more inclusive future for all Filipino seniors.