Local officials in Mangaldan, Pangasinan have started processing documents for octogenarians and nonagenarians to help them claim benefits under national senior citizen laws, with a reminder that the entire process is free of charge.

The effort follows Republic Act 10868, or the Centenarian Act of 2016, and Republic Act 11982, which grants benefits to Filipino octogenarians and nonagenarians. The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) said local offices are expected to submit the list of qualified seniors celebrating birthdays from January to June 2026.

Authorities reminded the public that processing senior citizens’ documents is free and should be handled by accredited Senior Citizens Associations in each barangay.

Epifania Reyes, president of the Federation of Elderly and Senior Citizens Association (FESCA) in Mangaldan, said no fees should be collected.

“Walang hinihinging bayad kasi nga we are association, volunteers. We are given allowance na inayos ng Sangguniang Bayan,” Reyes said.