ILOILO City – More than 13,000 elderly residents of Western Visayas have already received P10,000 each under the Expanded Centenarians Act of 2023, with thousands more expected to benefit in the coming weeks as the government broadens its recognition of seniors beginning at age 80.
National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) Region 6 director Ann Rapunzel “Rara” Ganzon said the payouts will roll out regionwide this October, covering senior citizens who reach their milestone ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95.
“This is not just financial assistance, it is an expression of gratitude and respect for our elderly who have dedicated their lives to their families and communities. We want them to feel that they are valued and honored as they reach these milestones,” Ganzon said.
Previously, only centenarians were entitled to cash incentives under the 2016 Centenarians Act. The new law ensures that recognition begins earlier, with seniors turning 80 already included. Ganzon said those who celebrated their 80th birthdays from July to September 2024 and 2025 are already eligible, while applications may be filed four to six months before birthdays to allow processing.
Western Visayas ranks second nationwide in terms of beneficiaries, with 13,372 seniors already granted since 2024. Ganzon said the number reflects both the region’s growing elderly population and the active facilitation of local governments.
“This is a testament to the strength and vitality of our senior citizens sector in Western Visayas. It also means we need to strengthen our systems to ensure that all qualified applicants are reached and served efficiently,” she added.
In Iloilo City, 70 senior citizens received their milestone gifts on September 13 during a payout ceremony at Brgy. Quintin Salas, Jaro, coinciding with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 68th birthday.
Mayor Raisa Treñas said the city is committed to sustaining programs for seniors.
“The city government has already put in place healthcare services in every district to cater to our older population, but we will not stop there. We want to look for more innovative programs that can enhance the quality of life of our seniors,” she said.
She also emphasized making payouts meaningful.
“While waiting for their payout, we made sure our lolo and lola had time to relax. We provided free haircuts, manicures, and massage services so that it felt more like a celebration than just a distribution. That’s how we want to honor them — not just with financial aid but with care and attention,” Treñas said.
For Ganzon, lowering the milestone age is the law’s most vital feature.
“By lowering the milestone age, we ensure that more seniors benefit while they are still strong and can celebrate their achievements. This is social justice at work,” she stressed.
Treñas assured full city support, citing its partnership with NCSC. “We want our senior citizens to always feel that they are part of the city’s priorities, and we will keep investing in programs that make them feel included and valued,” she said.
Qualified seniors must apply through their local Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) or city and municipal social welfare offices, submitting valid IDs, 2×2 and whole-body photos./PN
