By Brian Campued
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Thursday reminded the public of the requirements that centenarians or their families must fulfill before receiving the P100,000 cash gift provided under the Republic Act (RA) 10868, or the Centenarians Act of 2016.
According to DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, family members processing for the cash gift in behalf of the centenarians must present a birth certificate or a Philippine passport of the centenarian to the City or Municipal Social Welfare Office and/or to the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) in the centenarian’s area of residence.
“Kung halimbawa na hindi ’yan available, o kung hindi na-produce ang kaniyang birth certificate dahil panahon ng giyera, maaaring magsumite ng affidavit executed by at least two disinterested persons,” Dumlao said in a media forum at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City.
“Maaari rin ang marriage certificate kung available or birth certificate ng mga anak ng centenarian,” she added.
If the birth certificate and a Philippine passport are not available, applicants may present primary identification cards (IDs) issued by the OSCA, the Government Service Insurance System, or Social Security System; still failing that, the family member-processor may present the beneficiary’s driver’s license, Professional Regulations Commission license, or voter’s ID.
Other documents such as old school or employment documents as well as baptismal or confirmation records showing the date of birth of the centenarian may also be presented in case the primary IDs are still not available.
In the case of a deceased centenarian Dumlao said the agency will still release the cash gift to the estate or nearest surviving relative.
“The next of kin ay siyang maaaring tumanggap ng centenarians gift in case na nag-100 years old na siya ay hindi pa niya nakuha and then after a few months ay sumakabilang buhay,” she explained.
Once verified, the cash incentive, along with a felicitation letter signed by the President or a posthumous plaque of recognition, will be conferred to the beneficiary on their 100th birthday or on the celebration of National Respect for Centenarians Day (commemorated every first Sunday of October).
Meanwhile, the implementation of the Centenarians Act will also be transferred to the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), along with the implementation of RA 11982 or the Expanded Centenarians Act.
Under RA 11982—signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Feb. 26, 2024—Filipinos will receive a P10,000 cash gift upon reaching 80 years of age and every five years thereafter until the age of 95.
“Sa kasalukuyan ay nasa pondo po iyan ng DSWD but starting next year, yan po ay itu-turn over na natin sa NCSC,” Dumlao said. – iro
