.png)
The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), will implement the nationwide cash gift distribution under the Expanded Centenarians Act of 2024. The inaugural payout, set to be held at Malacañan Palace on 26 February 2025, will be graced by President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., marking the first anniversary of the landmark legislation.
Through the efforts of NCSC, it is expected that over PHP 2.9 billion in financial aid will be distributed to 275,000 senior citizens across the country this year. This initiative underscores the government’s dedication to recognize and uplift the lives of elderly Filipinos.
According to the United Nations, from 2025-2030, older Filipinos aged 60 and above are expected to make up at least 10 percent of the country’s total population, which makes the Philippines as an aging society.
In anticipation of this demographic shift, Congress promulgated R.A. No. 11982, the Expanded Centenarians Act and was signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on February 26, 2024, granting recognition and ₱10,000 cash gift, to certain Filipino Octogenarians and Nonagenarians, while maintaining the P100,000 cash gift to Centenarians.
Pursuant to said law, R.A. No. 11982, Filipinos, reaching the “milestone ages” of 80, 85, 90 and 95 years old, whether residing in the country or abroad, are eligible to receive the ₱10,000 cash gift, and ₱100,000.00 upon reaching 100 years old, expanding the benefits, formerly limited to centenarians. This amendment ensures that elderly Filipinos receive recognition and financial assistance at multiple milestones in their later years, rather than only at 100 years old, as previously mandated. The law officially took effect on 17 March 2024, following its publication in general circulation on 02 March 2024.
The NCSC, currently under the leadership of Dr. Mary Jean P. Loreche, Officer-In-Charge and Commission Member IV, alongside Commissioners Ida Yap-Patron, Enriqueta Rodeles, Edwin Espejo, Reymar Mansilungan, and Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, is determined to ensure the success of the implementation of the Expanded Centenarians Act, ensuring a seamless execution of the ceremonial cash gift distribution in regions across the country. Dr. Loreche also emphasized that this government initiative is a symbol of celebration and recognition of the elderly’s invaluable wisdom, experiences, contributions and milestones.
Moreover, apart from government grants, the NCSC embarked on Senior Citizens Community Care Center (SC3C), which will provide social interaction, healthcare assistance, and skill-building activities. By fostering policies, enactment of programs, and nurturing a culture of wellness, welfare and wholeness for the elderly, the NCSC perpetually ensures that aging is not only about counting years, but also about living an active, healthy and enriching life.
After all, Section 7 of R.A. No. 11350 or the National Senior Citizens Act mandates NCSC to ensure the full implementation of laws, policies, and programs for the welfare of senior citizens and to advocate for their rights and privileges.
For more Information and Interview Request:
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND ICT DIVISION