Hundreds of elderly residents in Davao de Oro experienced a more joyful holiday season in 2025 after receiving special cash gifts from the national government. This initiative is part of the newly implemented Expanded Centenarian Act of 2024, also known as Republic Act 11982.
New Law Brings Holiday Cheer to 682 Elderly Recipients
In total, 682 senior citizens across the province were beneficiaries of the program this December. The law mandates cash gifts for Filipinos reaching milestone ages. While centenarians, or those who reach 100 years old, are entitled to a P100,000 award, the expanded act now also covers those turning 80, 85, 90, and 95 years old, who each receive P10,000.
Julius Duterte of the National Commission on Senior Citizens explained the rationale behind the government's move. He stated that this is a way for the national government to formally acknowledge the longevity and significant contributions of the country's elderly population to nation-building. The program specifically honors octogenarians, nonagenarians, and centenarians.
Local Government Complements National Initiative in Maco
The town of Maco witnessed a double celebration for its qualified seniors. On December 16, 2025, a total of 92 octogenarians and nonagenarians in the municipality received their cash gift from the national program. For many, this was actually their second cash incentive for the period.
This is because the Maco Local Government Unit (LGU), led by Mayor Arthur Voltaire Rimando, has its own ordinance providing a P5,000 incentive to seniors reaching those milestone ages. Mayor Rimando highlighted that their local program has been in place since 2018, originally created to complement the earlier Centenarian Act of 2016.
The mayor recalled that they started with a modest amount of P1,500 due to budget constraints but later increased the cash gift to its current P5,000 level as resources allowed.
Tangible Impact on Senior Citizens' Lives
The financial assistance has a direct and meaningful impact on the daily lives of the recipients. One beneficiary, Rolando Bandigas, expressed profound gratitude for the support. He shared that the cash gift would provide him with additional funds to purchase maintenance medicine for his prostate condition, underscoring the practical importance of the government's aid.
The successful distribution in Davao de Oro illustrates the tangible benefits of the Expanded Centenarian Act, demonstrating a concerted effort by both national and local authorities to honor and support the welfare of the Philippines' valued senior citizens.
