Centenarian Received P100,000 Cash Reward in Negros Occidental
A centenarian in E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental received P100,000 as she turned 100 years old on February 9, 2024.
The centenarian reward is a cash incentive given to individuals who reach the age of 100 years old. In the Philippines, this reward is part of Republic Act 10868, also known as the Centenarians Act of 2016.
Under this law, Filipino citizens who turn 100 years old receive a cash gift of P100,000 from the government, along with a Letter of Felicitation from the President. This reward is a way to honor and recognize the longevity and contributions of centenarians.
Additionally, some local governments may also provide their own incentives to centenarians.
Recently, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) awarded Maria Salahog-Alegre with P100,000 and a Letter of Felicitation from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at her home.
The cash incentive is part of Republic Act 10868, known as the Centenarians Act of 2016, which recognizes and rewards Filipinos who reach the age of 100. Alegre’s life story is one of resilience and strength.
Maria was married at 16 to Melquiades Alegre, a member of the United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE). Sadly, she became a widow just a year later when her husband died in World War II. They had no children, and now, Alegre is lovingly cared for by her niece, Cecilma Salahog.
Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Emy Lyn Hibionada described Alegre as an inspiring example of longevity and determination. During the DSWD’s assessment, Cecilma mentioned that they plan to set aside a portion of the incentive for Alegre’s memorial plan.
The ceremony to present the award was attended by various officials, including Hibionada, DSWD-Western Visayas project development officer and centenarian focal person Doyien Layson, DSWD-Western Visayas special disbursing officer Maria Eloisa Gracia, barangay captain Rolando Banasig, and Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines (FSCAP) president Wellie Gervacio, who also heads the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA).
Alegre is set to receive another P100,000 cash incentive from the provincial government in addition to the DSWD’s recognition.
In a similar post, a centenarian in Pagbilao, Quezon receives P100,000 cash gift