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Filipinos cherish families, elder care, and the wisdom they bring. Therefore, the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Philippines offers a unique program to honor centenarians, providing them with PHP 100,000 as gift money and a congratulatory letter. But how can one avail of these benefits?
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What are the Benefits of Centenarians?
The program, known as the DSWD Centenarian Program, engages various field offices and local government units. Upon reaching 80 years old, senior citizens shall receive a cash gift of 10 thousand pesos and every five years thereafter (85, 90, 95 year old). By the time they reach 100, they are entitled to receive PHP 100,000 as gift money and a congratulatory letter signed by the President.
For deceased centenarians, their nearest surviving relative will receive a posthumous recognition plaque. Furthermore, in addition to the national benefits, each city or town with eligible centenarians will receive a recognition plaque and cash incentive from their local government units.
How do I avail senior citizen benefits?
If you or someone you know has reached the age of 100 or older, you can apply for the program by submitting the necessary paperwork to the local government or DSWD. Make sure to have the documents endorsed by the agency’s field office.
- Birth Certificate; or
- Philippine Passport
In the absence of the above documents, any of the following primary IDs may be submitted:
- Senior Citizen ID or Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) ID
- LTO-issued Driver’s License
- SSS ID
- GSIS ID
- PRC License
- Postal ID
- Voter’s ID or COMELEC certification
- Other IDs that indicate Filipino citizenship and year of birth
In the absence of the above primary IDs, any two (2) of the following secondary documents may be submitted:
- Marriage Certificate
- Children’s Birth Certificate
- Baptismal or Confirmation Certificate
- Old School or Employment Records
- Affidavit of at least two (2) Disinterested Persons
If the centenarian does not possess a birth certificate or a Philippine passport, they may be required to have another primary or secondary IDS (see the above list of requirements).
The Community/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (C/MSWDO) will provide the mayor with a list of consolidated and verified centenarians and any extra paperwork needed. These documents will then be sent to the appropriate DSWD Field Office for further review and consideration.
Identification, verification, and notification of beneficiaries are three of the necessary procedures that must be completed before the Centenarian Program may distribute awards and incentives.
During this time, information gathered from the Commission on Filipinos Overseas will be used to locate Filipino centenarians outside the country (CFO).
Also Read: National ID Registration (Link, Steps, Requirements and more!)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the DSWD Centenarian Program?
Republic Act 10868, sometimes called the Centenarian Act of 2016, includes the Centenarian Program as one of its provisions. This law makes centenarians in the Philippines eligible for several special privileges and advantages.
How much money do you get when you turn 100 in the Philippines?
The DSWD Field Office will award the recipient with a Centenarian Gift of 100,000 Philippine Pesos and a Letter of Felicitation on the first Sunday in October, National Respect for Centenarians Day, or on the centenarian’s actual 100th birthday, whichever comes first. The Local Government Unit (LGU) will also present the centenarian with a commemorative plaque on the same day.
Note: The nearest surviving relative will receive the Posthumous Plaque of Recognition from the DSWD Field Office during this period.
What is a Special Power of Attorney for a centenarian?
Permission to act as attorney-in-fact is granted by the Special Power of Attorney (SPA), fully attested in the centenarian’s home country. It permits them to transfer the designated amount to them in any practical manner and to accept, deposit, or cash the centenarian’s gift as a check.
Who is in charge of implementing the program?
The DSWD’s field offices and central office are both in charge of implementing the Centenarian Program. These are the organizations that are responsible.
What are the benefits of centenarians?
In fulfillment of Republic Act 10868, a centenarian can receive a gift from the President of 100,000 Philippine Pesos. A Posthumous Award is another way to honor someone after passing away.
Those who reach their 100th birthday will not only be honored with a plaque of commemoration but also with a monetary gift from the town or city in which they were born.
What are the requirements?
Even if they are missing required documents, centenarians can turn in their identification. The OSCA ID and the Senior Citizen ID are two examples of this.
They can also produce two more documents, such as marriage or their children’s birth certificates.
It is still possible for Filipinos who are currently residing in other countries to provide identification documents that are valid in the Philippines; this is especially true for centenarians.
Also Read: GUIDE: How to Schedule DFA Online Passport Appointment in the Philippines
Final Thoughts
Centenarians in the Philippines deserve financial aid from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) due to their knowledge and experience. Filipinos over 100 benefit from the DSWD Centenarian Program, which recognizes centenarians’ achievements to society with PHP 100,000 in gift money, a congratulations letter, and other recognitions. To avail of these benefits, individuals must follow a straightforward process involving document submission, verification, and notification. This initiative acknowledges the remarkable achievement of reaching 100 years and ensures their well-being and dignity. It emphasizes family bonds and respect for seniors and Filipinos’ commitment to honoring their wisdom and experiences.
Keep Reading: GUIDE: How To Enroll for OSCA Senior Citizen ID
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