Bukidnon centenarian receives P100,000 cash incentive

Valencia City Vice Mayor Cecil Galario-Fernandez hands a chocolate cake to 101-year-old Carmelina Villas Pahileno of Barangay Sugod, Valencia City, during her May 6, 2026 birthday celebration. — Photo from Office of Vice Mayor Cecil Galario-Fernandez

VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon — The province of Bukidnon now has 20 centenarians among its population.

This was after a 101-year-old woman from Barangay Sugod in Valencia City was documented by authorities and handed a P100,000 cash incentive from the national government.

Carmelina Villas Pahileno celebrated her 101st birth anniversary last May 6, marked with a visit by officials from the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) Region 10, the Valencia City Office for Senior Citizens Affairs, and local government representatives who personally handed the cash assistance at her residence.

READ: 6 Batangas City centenarians receive cash gifts, plaques

The cash incentive is in accordance with the Centenarians Act of 2016 or Republic Act No. 10868, which grants incentives to Filipinos who reach 100 years old.

NCSC Region 10 spokesperson Ginger Pielago said centenarians are recognized for their longevity and lifelong contribution to society.

She added that Bukidnon already has 20 centenarian beneficiaries who also received an additional P50,000 cash aid from the provincial government, while some local government units extended separate incentives to qualified senior citizens.

The program was also expanded to provide P10,000 cash gifts to senior citizens reaching ages 80, 85, 90 and 95.

The assistance aims to help elderly Filipinos with medical expenses and daily needs while honoring their role in the community. /das