The City Government of Tagum has successfully distributed financial incentives to hundreds of its oldest residents, marking a significant step in implementing a new national law for the elderly.
Milestone Cash Gifts Awarded to Octogenarians and Nonagenarians
In a ceremony held on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at the City Hall Atrium, the local government unit (LGU) of Tagum, in collaboration with several national and city agencies, provided cash assistance to 231 senior citizens. The beneficiaries, who have reached the milestone ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95, received their gifts under the provisions of Republic Act No. 11982, commonly known as the Expanded Centenarians Act.
The event was a joint effort by the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), and the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA). In a statement on its official Facebook page, the city government emphasized its commitment, saying in Cebuano: "The local government of Tagum, together with the NCSC, continues to strive so that more grandfathers and grandmothers can benefit from the financial assistance."
Understanding the Expanded Centenarians Act (RA 11982)
This distribution is powered by a landmark legislative update. RA 11982 amended the original Centenarians Act to extend cash incentives to Filipinos at earlier milestone ages. The law now authorizes a ₱10,000 cash gift for those who reach 80, 85, 90, and 95 years old. This is in addition to the existing ₱100,000 award for Filipinos who celebrate their 100th birthday.
The national rollout of this program is already making waves. According to data from the NCSC as of August 12, 2025, a total of 96,463 senior citizens across the Philippines had received their milestone cash gifts. The national breakdown is as follows:
- 80 years old: 49,164 recipients
- 85 years old: 30,792 recipients
- 90 years old: 12,193 recipients
- 95 years old: 3,612 recipients
- 100 years old: 702 recipients
Tagum's Senior Citizen Demographic and the Program's Impact
The significance of this program in Tagum City is underscored by local population statistics. Based on the 2020 Census of Population and Housing from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Tagum City is home to 23,231 individuals aged 60 years and over. This group comprises 10,651 males and 12,580 females. Notably, senior citizens make up 7.9 percent of the city's total household population, highlighting the importance of targeted social services for this demographic.
The distribution event on December 11 represents a direct fulfillment of the law's intent—to provide tangible financial support to the elderly during their golden years. By proactively working with the NCSC, Tagum's LGU ensures that its qualified residents can access the benefits they are entitled to under the expanded law.
This initiative not only provides immediate economic relief to the recipients and their families but also serves as a form of national recognition for their longevity and contributions to society. It sets a precedent for other local government units to efficiently implement the Expanded Centenarians Act, ensuring that more Filipino lolos and lolas nationwide feel the support of their community and government.
