Centenarian receives P100K, a 1st in Lingig town
LINGIG, Surigao del Sur -- The family of Cornelia Upla, a native of Lingig, from the southern tip municipality in the province of Surigao del Sur, gratefully received the centenarian cash gift amounting to P100K and a posthumous certificate from the national government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) - Field Office Caraga, through the Centenarian Program on September 7, 2023 in Lingig town.
As the first centenarian of the municipality of Lingig, Sangguniang Bayan member Isagani Onsing who represented Mayor Elmer Evangelio, witnessed the family's acceptance of what he called, 'Gasa ng wala damaha' [unexpected gift] from the DSWD.
The family, on the other hand, was so thankful that the gift came to their family even though their mother passed away in 2020 at the age of 103, according to Floranie Latorre Aparre, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office chief.
The Upla family was full of gratitude upon knowing that the government had recognized their mother being one of the beneficiaries of the program. They promised that the money will take care of their mother’s resting place and make it decent.
“Akong pasalamatan ang taga DSWD labi na sa taga region nga nitabang nga i-follow-up mi, para malihok namo ang mga papel para kang mama kay kung wala pa, dili mi mahibalo nga ang moabot og 100, naay madawat gikan sa goberno [I would like to thank the DSWD people especially in the regional office who helped us with the follow-up, so that we can process the papers for mama, because initially we were not aware of this program that those who would reach 100 years old, would receive something from the government]”, Alvin Upla, son of the centenarian said.
The Republic Act No. 10868 or the Centenarian Act of 2016, mandated to give recognition to all Filipinos who reach 100 years of age, for their one hundred years of contribution to the community.
Meanwhile, DSWD Caraga Regional Director Mari-Flor Dollaga reminded the public that the RA 10868 is not retroactive thus, those who will be served by this law are adults who reach 100 years old from 2016 until the year that the said law is not amended or changed.
In the situation of Upla, DSWD Caraga further revealed some additional requirements were needed to prove that indeed she reached 100 years old and for the family qualify the centenarian cash gift and posthumous certificate, they needed to present the following: (1) Death certificate, (2) Special Power of Attorney, (3) Warranty and Release Liability Form.
Meanwhile, DSWD Field Office Caraga continues to encourage family members like the children, grandchildren, relatives, and partner stakeholders, to start processing the papers needed by their dearest centenarian loved ones, especially those who are approaching 100 years of age so they can avail of the privileges of the program in a timely manner and immediate assistance will be enjoyed. (NGPB,PIA Surigao del Sur)
