The National Commission of Senior Citizens–Davao Region (NCSC-Davao) has announced the commencement of the first-quarter cash gift distribution for 2026, targeting nearly 4,000 beneficiaries under the Expanded Centenarians Act (ECA). This initiative aims to honor the lifelong contributions of senior citizens to nation-building and their local communities.
Distribution Details and Beneficiary Breakdown
Filbert Bryan Sollesta, project development officer of NCSC-Davao, confirmed that a total of 3,742 beneficiaries will receive the cash gift. He clarified that this program is not merely an "ayuda" or financial aid but a formal recognition of the invaluable role seniors have played in societal development. The distribution is structured to ensure transparency and accessibility for all eligible individuals.
Demographic and Geographic Distribution
Of the total beneficiaries, 1,367 are males and 2,375 are females in this initial batch. The breakdown by area within the Davao Region is as follows:
- Davao City: 971 beneficiaries
- Davao de Oro: 605 beneficiaries
- Davao del Norte: 811 beneficiaries
- Davao Oriental: 505 beneficiaries
- Davao del Sur: 674 beneficiaries
- Davao Occidental: 176 beneficiaries
This regional allocation ensures that senior citizens across various provinces receive equitable support.
Claim Process and Requirements
Sollesta outlined the necessary steps for beneficiaries to claim their cash gifts. They must submit a photocopy of their Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (Osca) ID, affixed with their signature or thumbmark three times during the distribution. For those unable to attend in person, authorization of a representative is permitted under specific conditions.
Authorization for Representatives
If a beneficiary cannot appear personally, a representative may claim the cash gift on their behalf. The representative must provide:
- An NCSC-templated authorization letter
- A medical certificate and a whole-body photo of the beneficiary with the current month's calendar
- Photocopies of both the representative's and beneficiary's IDs, each with three specimen signatures or thumb marks
Sollesta also noted that if a beneficiary passes away before distribution, heirs may still process the claim through a representative, ensuring no one is left out due to unforeseen circumstances.
Purpose and Encouragement for Proper Use
During the Kapehan sa Dabaw event on Monday, March 9, 2026, at SM City Davao, Sollesta expressed hope that beneficiaries would use the cash gift for personal enjoyment, self-care, or to fulfill long-held desires. He stated, "It's a cash gift, and we hope they can truly use it for their enjoyment, for self-care or beautification, or perhaps to fulfill something they have long wanted to buy." He further encouraged families to support seniors in utilizing these funds for their direct benefit, reinforcing the program's intent to enhance their quality of life.
Historical Context and Legislative Background
Reflecting on past efforts, NCSC-Davao reported that approximately 13,247 senior citizens received financial benefits in 2025, with total cash distributed amounting to about ₱139 million. This marked a significant increase from 2024, when only 4,234 seniors were assisted. In 2025, beneficiaries included 4,606 men and 8,641 women, with the office noting a higher proportion of female recipients in older age brackets.
The Expanded Centenarians Act, which amends Republic Act No. 10868 (the Centenarians Act of 2016), extends benefits to octogenarians, nonagenarians, and centenarians. Under this law, beneficiaries receive ₱100,000 upon turning 100 years old, and ₱10,000 at ages 80, 85, 90, and 95. This legislative framework underscores the government's commitment to supporting senior citizens through structured financial incentives.
