President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday led the inaugural distribution of cash gifts to beneficiaries of the Expanded Centenarians Act of 2024, vowing that his administration will continue prioritizing senior citizens’ welfare.
Signed into law last year, Republic Act 11982 grants PHP10,000 to senior citizens upon reaching the ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95. The law also maintains the PHP 100,000 cash gift for centenarians, as stipulated under the Centenarians Act of 2016 (Republic Act 10868).
Marcos handed over cash gifts to 14 senior citizens in Malacañang, marking the start of a nationwide distribution effort with simultaneous payouts across all regions.
A total of 1,079 senior citizens will receive cash gifts amounting to over PHP12 million through this nationwide distribution effort. Medical and legal assistance would also be provided in payout centers through the efforts of the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC).
In his speech, Marcos emphasized the importance of ensuring the well-being of senior citizens, stressing that more needs to be done for the elderlies of the country.
He highlighted the financial struggles many seniors face, noting that 73 percent of senior citizens still depend on support from their children, and 55 percent of their healthcare expenses are paid out of their own pockets.
In addressing these concerns, the President highlighted several initiatives to improve the lives of senior citizens, including the benefits under the Expanded Senior Citizens Act such as the 5 percent to 20 percent discount on various services; 5 percent discount for utilities like water and electricity consumption up to specified limits; and a 20 percent discount to transportation, medication, healthcare services, and even recreational activities.
Additionally, the law provides free healthcare services for seniors in government health facilities, ensuring they receive necessary medical care without financial burden.
“Sa ating mga seniors, nawa’y magkaroon kayo ng marami pang panahon ng kagalakan kasama ang inyong mga minamahal sa buhay. Hiling ko rin na magkaroon po kayo ng mga mas matatamis na kuwento na ibabahagi sa susunod na henerasyon (To our senior citizens, may you have more enjoyable time with your loved ones. I also wish that you will have sweeter stories to pass on to the next generation),” Marcos said.
Through the NCSC, the government aims to provide PHP2.9 billion in cash gifts this year to over 275,000 senior citizens nationwide.
Commendable
Senator Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla Jr., who has long championed the initiative, expressed his joy and relief as the long-awaited assistance finally reached elderly beneficiaries.
“Lubos po akong natutuwa na sa wakas ay nagsimula na ang pamamahagi natin ng cash gift sa mga lolo at lola. Matagal natin itong ipinaglaban, at ngayon, natutupad na ang pangakong mabigyan sila ng munting regalo. Marami sa kanila ang matagal nang umaasa rito, at ngayon ay natatanggap na nila (I am very happy that we have finally started distributing cash gifts to our elderlies. We fought for it for a long time, and now, the promise to give them a small gift is being fulfilled. Many of them have been hoping for it for a long time, and now they are getting it),” he said in a statement.
Revilla also urged the government to simplify the application and distribution process, ensuring a hassle-free experience for elderly beneficiaries.
“Huwag nating pahirapan ang ating mga lolo at lola sa pagkuha ng kanilang benepisyo. Dapat ay simple at mabilis ang proseso upang agad nilang matanggap ang tulong na ito (Let’s not make it difficult for our elderlies to get their benefits. The process should be simple and quick so that they can receive this help immediately),” he emphasized. (PNA)
