A total of 1,682 senior citizens in Davao City, including eight centenarians, received their cash benefits under the Expanded Centenarian Act of 2024 from June 23 to 25, 2026 at People’s Park.
The Expanded Centenarian Act, signed on February 26, 2024 and effective since March 17, 2024, broadened the government’s cash gift program by extending benefits to Filipinos reaching milestone ages of 80, 85, 90, 95, each entitled to Php 10,000 while centenarians receive Php 100,000 each.
Lorenzo Borja, Head of the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) told the City Information Office (CIO) that the subsidy is important to the senior citizens to support their daily needs such as food, medicines and other maintenance.
“Kani nga kantidad, dako kaayo og tabang sailaha ilabi na sa katung mga kinahanglan og pang maintenance, mga vitamins sailahang lawas, unya sa mga pamaliton nila, maong dako kaayo og tabang sailaha gyud (This amount is a great help to them, especially for those who need maintenance, vitamins for their bodies, and for their groceries, so it is really a big help to them),” he said.
Claimants are required to present their original OSCA ID as well as a photocopy of the OSCA ID with three specimen signatures. For bedridden seniors, a direct family member may claim the subsidy by submitting an authorization letter and barangay certification signed by the Barangay Captain and Barangay Health worker.
Beyond the financial aid, the Davao City Health Office (CHO) also extends its support by providing free medical services, consultations, blood sugar test, cholesterol test, uric acid screenings and vitamins.
Borja also reminded seniors to remain proactive about their health and stay updated on government programs.
“Alang sa atoang mga senior, kinahanglan kita mag binantayon ilabi na sa ilahang kalusugan. Mag likay ta sa stress, isa pa mag pakabana ta ilabi na sa mga pahibalo sa atoang mga social workers, sa CSWDO ug sa mga barangay. Kay every now and then, naa tay mga benepisyo na ginahatag gikan sa atoang local ug national government and other programs na ginapahigayon sa atoang City Mayor’s Office pinaagi sa OSCA (For our seniors, we need to be vigilant, especially regarding their health. Let’s avoid stress, and also be attentive, especially to the announcements from our social workers, the CSWDO, and the barangays. Because every now and then, we have benefits provided by our local and national government and other programs conducted by our City Mayor’s Office through OSCA),” he added.
For Noemi Gonzales Parong, an 80-year-old from Davao City said that the subsidy is more than just financial assistance, it’s a support that allows seniors like her to live with security and dignity.
“Thank you so much for this. It’s a big help because the Php 10,000 will help to maintain our health, to buy for our daily consumption and medicines for our body. So, for all my co citizens, this is a big privilege that was given by the government to us. Take good care of your health, eat more fruits, vegetables, have a good sleep and avoid too much stress,” she added. CIO
Written by: N. Malasado
Edited by: A. Nawal
Photo by: J. Faelnar