CASH IN HAND | Valentin Saga (right) takes a closer look at the ceremonial check representing the P100,000 cash gift — with the money already in his hand — given by the Bohol provincial government under Gov. Aris Aumentado (center) to residents who have reached the age of 100. Four more recipients were accorded such benefits on Jan. 18, 2024 (Photo from the Facebook account of Gov. Aris Aumentado)
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Philippines — Five Boholanos have received P100,000 each from the provincial government as gifts for having reached the age of 100.
Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado, along with personnel from the provincial social welfare development, personally handed symbolic checks and P100,000 in cash to the five centenarians, whom they visited in their respective homes on Jan. 18.
The beneficiaries were Ma. Rosario Mangaron of Barangay Bayongan, San Miguel town; Valentin Saga of Buenos Aires, Carmen town; Gliceria Digamon, Poblacion Sur, Batuan town; Lamberto Laguitao of Barangay Bil-isan, Dimiao town; and Martina Gumop-as of Barangay Poblacion in Dimiao town.
They all turned 100 in November 2023.
Aside from money, the centenarians were also given certificates of recognition by the provincial government.
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“We considered them as one of the pillars of our province. That’s why I’m happy that they received birthday gifts from the Capitol,” Aumentado said.
The cash gifts were given in accordance with Republic Act No. 10868, or the Centenarians Act of 2016, which grants such perks as a way to honor all natural-born Filipinos who have reached 100 years old, whether they reside in the Philippines or overseas.
But the cash gift program once limited to centenarians will soon be extended to senior citizens age 80, 85, 90 and 95 years old.
In December 2023, the congressional bicameral conference committee that tackled proposed amendments to RA 10868 consolidated the Senate and House versions of measures that introduced the changes.
Both panels agreed to grant a P10,000 cash gift to Filipino seniors within one year from when they turn 80, 85, 90 and 95. And within one year from when the senior reaches 100, he or she will receive a P100,000 cash gift.