Centenarians honored in Makati City in 2013. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
Filipino centenarians are set to receive additional benefits as the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 10868 or the “Centenarians Act of 2016” have finally been signed.
Under the law, all Filipinos who have reached the age of 100, whether residing in the country or abroad, shall receive a cash award of P100,000 from the national government as a “centenarian gift.” The fund will be taken from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Aside from cash, they will also receive a letter of felicitation signed by President Rodrigo Duterte and posthumous plaque of recognition for deceased centenarians.
Centenarians were also entitled to awards and incentives from their respective city or municipality to be determined by the local government unit. According to the IRR, the Department of Interior and Local Government would issue a directive to local officials to implement the act within 60 days from the IRR’s effectivity.
They will also receive plaque of recognition and letter of felicitation from LGUs in acknowledgment of their longevity.
Centenarians will be required to present their birth certificate or Philippine passport or secondary documents to avail the incentives.
The IRR was approved by Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo, Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial, and Interior Secretary Ismael Sueno, whose departments were in charge of promulgating the guidelines for the implementation of the act.
President Duterte signed the act into law last June 23. JE/rga
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