President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. emphasized the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of senior citizens, declaring that they deserve love, care, and protection in their later years.
Speaking at the Inaugural Cash Gift Distribution to the Qualified Beneficiaries of the Expanded Centenarians Act of 2024 in Malacañang on Wednesday, Marcos said, “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, hangad natin na mabuhay nang may ginhawa at dignidad ang ating mga matatanda.”
The event marked the beginning of a nationwide distribution of cash gifts to senior citizens. The President personally distributed cash gifts to select seniors identified by the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), with similar distributions taking place across the country.
In total, 1,079 beneficiaries received the cash gift, and the NCSC plans to reach 7,759 by the end of February.
On February 26 last year, President Marcos signed Republic Act No. 11982, or the Expanded Centenarians Act of 2024, which expands benefits for senior citizens. The new law includes P10,000 cash gifts for citizens who reach the ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95, as well as the P100,000 benefit for the centenarians.
“Hindi na dapat pinagdadaanan pa ng ating mga senior citizens ang ganitong mga problema sa yugtong ito ng kanilang buhay,” Marcos said. “They deserve nothing but our love, our care, and our protection.” Under the law, seniors will also receive discounts on various products and services, including 5% off on water and electricity, and up to 20% on transportation, medical services, and leisure activities.
Additionally, the government will continue offering free medical services at public health facilities and a social pension program providing P1,000 monthly for indigent seniors. Marcos also highlighted that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) runs residential care facilities for abandoned senior citizens.
The President took a moment to recognize some centenarian guests at the event, including World War II survivors, acknowledging their resilience through decades of national hardship. “Hinarap nila ang mga hamon ng kawalan ng kalayaan, kinabukasan, at seguridad,” Marcos said, noting their contributions to the country’s healing and growth post-war.
Around 73% of senior citizens rely on family support, and many cover 55% of their medical costs themselves. Marcos noted that some seniors live in isolation and may not receive proper care, with some even facing abuse.
“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 President said.