(Photo from NCSC-Western Visayas)
ILOILO CITY – The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) is distributing Php 135.03 million in cash gifts to 13,107 elderly beneficiaries in Western Visayas and Negros Occidental who have reached milestone ages under the Expanded Centenarians Act.
NCSC Regional Director Ann Rapunzel Ganzon said Friday that the third batch of payouts began on October 14 and is expected to be completed by November.
Most beneficiaries reached their milestone ages between January and June 2026, while 246 qualified in 2024 and another 1,035 in 2025.
Ganzon said the agency hopes to conduct another round of cash gift distribution before the year ends.
Iloilo province has the highest number of recipients at 3,880, followed by Negros Occidental with 3,936, Capiz with 1,534, Aklan with 1,356, Antique with 1,334, Iloilo City with 637, and Guimaras with 430.
The NCSC has completed distributions in Guimaras, Iloilo City, and Bacolod City, while payouts in Negros Occidental were scheduled to conclude Friday.
In Iloilo City, two centenarians received Php 100,000 each, along with certificates of felicitation from the Office of the President.
The remaining distribution schedule covers Iloilo province from October 26 to November 3, Capiz from November 4 to 6, Antique on November 9 and 10, and Aklan from November 11 to 13.
Under the Expanded Centenarians Act, qualified senior citizens receive Php 10,000 upon reaching the ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95. Those who turn 100 are entitled to Php 100,000 and a presidential letter of felicitation.
Meanwhile, the NCSC will hold free legal assistance activities as part of its Elderly Week celebration.
In partnership with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), the agency will offer free notarization and legal counseling at SM City Iloilo on Saturday, October 24.
Ganzon said 50 lawyers are expected to participate, with the activity targeting 300 senior citizens.
A blood donation drive titled “Dugo ko Para Kay Lola kag Lolo” will also be conducted at the same venue on Sunday, October 25, in coordination with the Philippine Red Cross Iloilo Chapter.
Ganzon said the activities aim to honor senior citizens, promote intergenerational solidarity, and encourage younger generations to express gratitude to the elderly.
