4 Aeta centenarians in Tarlac receive ₱100k cash gift

The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) on Wednesday led the distribution of P100,000 in cash gifts to four centenarians belonging to an Aeta community in Tarlac, in a ceremony that featured birthday cakes and a message from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

According to Oscar Oida’s report on 24 Oras, the distribution to four Aeta centenarians was spearheaded by NCSC Chairperson and CEO Maria Merceditas Gutierrez, pursuant to the mandate of Republic Act No. 10868, or the Centenarians Act of 2016.

The beneficiaries and their families expressed gratitude for the recognition and support, with one recipient saying he would use his cash gift to buy livestock.

“Salamat po dahil natugunan na po. Ito lang po yung bilang pamana po sa amin,” said the son of one beneficiary.

(We are thankful that this matter has finally been addressed. This is just something to serve as a legacy for us.)

Another centenarian, aged 106, shared his simple approach to health, revealing that he has not taken any maintenance medication.

“Pag sabi po ng tatay ko noon, pag nahihilo ka, itaas mo lang yung mukha mo sa taas (My father used to say, 'whenever you feel dizzy, just lift your face upward),” he said.

The cash gift program for centenarians had recently drawn criticism over delays in distribution, prompting discussions between the NCSC and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Secretary Rex Gatchalian had pushed for the program to be brought back to the auspices of the DSWD.

Gutierrez expressed relief that the matter has been resolved.

“Nakita natin ngayon kung papaano nagkatulungan ang OSCA at ang Commission of Senior Citizens na pinamadali ang proseso at nagkaintindihan kami na gawan natin kaagad ng paraan,” she said.

(We see how OSCA (Office of Senior Citizen Affairs) and the (NCSC) worked together to speed up the process, and we agreed to find a solution immediately.)

Gutierrez also emphasized the importance of maintaining the NCSC as a dedicated commission for senior citizens to ensure proper care, noting the support of legislators who helped establish the agency and its programs.

As of December 31, 2025, the NCSC has reportedly distributed over P2.8 billion, or 96 percent of its allocated funds.

To improve efficiency and transparency, the commission plans to channel future cash gifts through banks, allowing the issuance of official receipts through Land Bank for proper accounting and verification.—MCG, GMA Integrated News