Four Aeta centenarians from Tarlac town have received cash gifts from NCSC.
The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) confirmed that the four Aeta centenarians received a total of PHP 400,000 in cash gifts.
Senior Citizens Partylist Representative Rodolfo Ordanes joined the National Commission of Senior Citizens to personally present the grants to the four Aeta centenarians. The ceremony was held at the Capas Events Center and is a part of a national effort to expand social protection for indigenous and isolated elderly Filipinos.
102-year-old Rodreges Tarroza of the Mag-antsi tribe, one of four Aeta centenarians | (Mark Arby E. Grande/PIA3 Intern)
Under Republic Act No. 11982, or the Expanded Centenarians Act, each received PHP 100,000.00 as a cash gift to centenarians nationwide. This law also grants Filipinos reaching 80, 85, 90, and 95 years old to receive PHP 10,000.00
NCSC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Ma. Merceditas Gutierrez emphasized that the benefit should be regarded as a form of recognition and gratitude from the government, rather than financial assistance. She explained that the amount is intended as a gift from the state to honor seniors who have reached this milestone in their lives.
Each honoree also received a letter of felicitation from
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
, personally acknowledging their lifetime contributions.
“Recognizing centenarians is not only a celebration of longevity but also a commitment to provide meaningful, timely support that improves their quality of life,”
Ordanes said, and he added that his office will not stop advocating for increased funding and stronger implementation of healthcare and financial assistance programs for senior citizens nationwide.
Meanwhile, the commission has released more than PHP 2.8 billion in centenarian cash gifts in 2025. This included the delayed payments for the 2024 beneficiaries and recorded over 96 percent budget utilization. All Filipino senior citizens, whether residing in the Philippines or abroad, are eligible.