DSWD,
LGU-Bayugan release P200k to each centenarian
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga handed over the P100,000 check to each centenarian from Bayugan City in the province of Agusan del Sur.
The two centenarians, namely, Crisanto Benting of Barangay Sta. Irene
and Andrea Sag-od of Barangay San Juan, also received the Certificates of
Recognition and Letter of Felicitation from the President of the Philippines
under the Centenarian Program.
They also received another P100,000 from the city government of Bayugan
as supported by a city ordinance in replication of Republic Act No. 10868 also
known as the “Centenarian Act of 2016.”
“Daghang salamat. Dako jud kini nga tabang sa among pamilya,” said Lola
Andrea Sag-od.
(Thank you. This is really a big help for our family.)
“Salamat sa Ginoo ug sa gobyerno para ani nga gasa,” said Lolo Crisanto
Benting.
(Thank you, Lord. And thank you to our government.)
Meanwhile, Lola Apolonia Balibrea of Barangay San Ignacio in Butuan
City, also received P100,000 and Certificate of Recognition, Letter of
Felicitation from the President of the Philippines handed to her by the DSWD
and the local government unit of Butuan City.
She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the government for implementing
the Centenarian Program and for recognizing the elders, especially those who
reached 100 years old.
“I encourage my co-elders to continue to pray that God Almighty will
bless us and give us good health. And let’s not forget to give thanks for
everything. Let’s recognize that without the Lord, we are nothing,” she said.
Balibrea further urged everyone to keep a healthy lifestyle in order to
have a long life away from illnesses, and to reach the centenarian age.
DSWD Caraga headed by Regional Director Mari-Flor Dollaga emphasized
that Filipino senior citizens ages 80 to 95 may now receive a P10,000 cash
incentive from the Philippine government after Republic Act 10868 or the
Centenarian Act of 2016 was amended in February 2023.
She reiterated that President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Jr. signed on February 26 the Republic Act 11982, known as the Act Granting Benefits to Filipino Octogenarians and Nonagenarians, as an adaptation of the existing benefits for Filipino senior citizens.
Mayor Asis also assured the Bayugan residents that they will be given
these benefits once they reach the age 80 and above.
“Congratulations to all our centenarians. Continue to be an inspiration to other people,” he said. (JPG, PIA-Agusan del Sur with a report from DSWD-Caraga)
