CEBU, Philippines — For the past eight years, Cebu City recorded the most number of centenarians or those whose ages are at least 100 years old.
According to the 2016-2024 data from the Department of Social Welfare and Development Central Visayas (DSWD-7), Cebu City listed 87 centenarians followed Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental with 27 centenarians.
Bayawan City in Negros Oriental has recorded 19 centenarians while Tagbilaran City, Bohol listed 18. Carcar City completes the top five with 17 centenarians.
The same data shows that there are a total 982 centenarians in the region and each have already received the P100,000 cash gift from the national government.
Some 462 beneficiaries are in Cebu, 273 from Bohol, 212 from Negros Oriental, 35 from Siquijor.
Aside from the cash, these centenarians are entitled to privileges, a felicitation letter from the President of the Philippines, a posthumous plaque of recognition for those who pass away after their 100th birthday, and additional incentives from their respective Local Government Units.
Republic Act 10868, also known as the Centenarian Act of 2016, which grants these benefits to all Filipinos who reach the age of 100, whether residing in the Philippines or abroad, as a tribute to their long life and contributions to the country.
DSWD regional director, Shalanie Marie Lucero said they are continuously reminding the relatives of eligible centenarians to submit the necessary documents at least a month before the 100th birthday to ensure timely receipt of the incentives.
“Ang pagpangita sa centenarian takes a lot of time and efforts and cooperation coming from families itself…With all of this things nga atong gihimo, wala jud nato kalimti ang constant collaboration with our LGUs through the office of Senior’s Citizen Affairs,” said Lucero.
Lucero explained that in the guidelines, birth certificates or passports are needed in proving one's age and citizenship. However, if these are unavailable, other forms of identification may be required like baptismal and marriage certificates, children's birth certificates, school records, employment records, among others.
The government has recently amended the Centenarian Act, now known as Republic Act 11982, which grants a cash gift of PHP 10,000 to senior citizens upon reaching the milestone ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95 years old. (CEBU NEWS)