CAPAS, TARLAC — A powerful message of inclusion and gratitude echoed through the Capas Events Center on February 11 as the Senior Citizens Party-list, led by Rodolfo Ordanes, joined the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) in awarding ₱100,000 cash gifts to four Aeta centenarians.
The ceremony marked more than a celebration of longevity. It underscored a broader commitment to ensure that government support reaches elderly Filipinos in indigenous and geographically isolated communities.
The cash grants were provided under the Expanded Centenarians Act, which guarantees financial recognition for Filipinos who reach the remarkable milestone of 100 years old. Alongside the monetary assistance, the honorees received felicitation letters from Ferdinand Marcos Jr., recognizing their enduring contributions to their families and communities.
Rep. Ordanes personally joined the distribution, reinforcing the party-list’s continuing push to expand social protection systems for seniors. He emphasized that honoring centenarians goes beyond ceremonial gestures.
“This is not just about celebrating a long life,” Ordanes said. “It is about making sure that our elders — especially those in marginalized and indigenous sectors — receive meaningful and timely support that genuinely improves their quality of life.”
The event also highlighted the sustained partnership between the NCSC and the Senior Citizens Party-list in strengthening benefit delivery mechanisms. Ensuring that programs are implemented efficiently, particularly in remote communities, remains a priority as the government scales up social assistance initiatives.
For the four Aeta centenarians, the ₱100,000 cash gift represents both recognition and relief — tangible proof that national programs can reach even the most distant communities.
Ordanes reiterated that the party-list will continue advocating for stronger funding, improved healthcare access, and broader financial assistance programs for elderly Filipinos nationwide.
As policymakers discuss expanding social safety nets, the ceremony in Capas served as a clear reminder: honoring those who have lived a century is not only about respect for the past, but an ongoing responsibility to safeguard their dignity in the present.