ILOILO City – More than 10,600 senior citizens across Western Visayas and Negros Occidental received P10,000 cash gifts during the second quarter of 2026 as the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) expanded its financial assistance program beyond centenarians to include elderly Filipinos celebrating milestone ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95.
The payout marked a significant increase from the first quarter, when more than 5,000 beneficiaries received the same incentive, underscoring the government’s intensified implementation of Republic Act 11350, which created the NCSC and strengthened the protection of senior citizens’ rights and benefits.
The agency said the P10,000 cash gift is intended to recognize the lifelong contributions of elderly Filipinos while helping ease some of the financial burdens they face.
Apart from the milestone birthday incentives, the NCSC also continued its recognition of centenarians.
From July 15 to 17, the agency distributed P100,000 cash gifts to 19 residents of Capiz who had reached the age of 100 or older during a special recognition ceremony.
NCSC-Western Visayas Regional Director Ann Rapunzel Ganzon personally met with 17 of the centenarian recipients, highlighting the agency’s commitment to honoring the region’s oldest residents through direct engagement and recognition.
The P100,000 grant forms part of the government’s continuing program to honor Filipinos who reach the centenarian milestone.
Ganzon said the agency is set to further expand the program in the third quarter by covering senior citizens celebrating their 80th, 85th, 90th, 95th and 100th birthdays during the first half of the year.
The NCSC expects to complete the distribution of all eligible cash gifts by the last quarter of 2026 to ensure that every qualified beneficiary receives the financial incentive.
The agency said the initiative reflects its continuing commitment to protecting the rights, privileges and welfare of senior citizens while fostering greater public appreciation for the invaluable contributions of older Filipinos to society./PN
