President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the government’s commitment to senior citizens, ensuring their needs and benefits are met.
“Sa Bagong Pilipinas, hangad natin na mabuhay nang may ginhawa at dignidad ang ating mga matatanda,” Marcos Jr. said during the Inaugural Cash Gift Distribution to the Qualified Beneficiaries of the Expanded Centenarians Act of 2024 in Malacañang.
He distributed cash gifts to select seniors identified by the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC). Simultaneous distributions benefited 1,079 seniors nationwide, with a goal of reaching 7,759 by the end of this month.
On February 26, the President signed Republic Act No. 11982, the Expanded Centenarians Act of 2024. The law grants P10,000 to seniors at ages 80, 85, 90, and 95, while centenarians receive P100,000.
Seniors also receive five to 20 percent discounts on products and services, including a five-percent discount on water (up to 30 cubic meters) and electricity (up to 100 kWh). They are entitled to 20-percent discounts on transportation, medical services, and leisure activities, along with free medical care in government facilities.
Marcos Jr. also announced the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens, which provides eligible seniors with a P1,000 monthly pension. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) operates care facilities for abandoned seniors.
“Nawa’y sa pamamagitan ng mga programa at serbisyong ito ng gobyerno, makapaglaan sila ng mas marami pang panahon para sa kanilang mga minamahal sa buhay,” the Chief Executive said.IMT
