In a heartwarming initiative spanning from 2016 to 2024, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Eastern Visayas has celebrated the longevity of 530 centenarians by awarding each a PHP100,000 incentive. This gesture, part of the Centenarians Act of 2016, not only acknowledges the remarkable age of these individuals but also their contributions to society.
The distribution of these incentives across the region shows a significant number of beneficiaries in Leyte with 199 recipients, followed by Samar with 79, Eastern Samar with 92, Northern Samar with 63, Southern Leyte with 63, and Biliran with 34. Each centenarian also receives a letter of felicitation from the President of the Philippines, celebrating their milestone.
In addition to the cash incentive, the DSWD honors deceased centenarians posthumously with a plaque of recognition, which can be claimed by their nearest surviving relative. The program, implemented in collaboration with local government units, has been a success in recognizing the elderly’s role in societal development.
To access these benefits, relatives must provide primary documents like a birth certificate or a Philippine passport to the local Social Welfare Office or the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA). In the absence of these, alternative identification such as cards issued by OSCA, GSIS, SSS, a driver’s license, PRC license, or a Comelec voter’s ID are accepted.
Beyond the national recognition, centenarians are also honored by their local city or municipal governments with additional ceremonies, plaques, and cash incentives, further emphasizing the community’s appreciation for their long lives and contributions.