DSWD continues to give P100 thousand to centenarians

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development(DSWD)-7 continues to distribute centenarian gifts to its beneficiaries, even during this pandemic.

As of June 2, the agency has already paid 47 centenarians in Central Visayas.

Under Republic Act No. 10868 or the Centenarian Act, Filipinos who reached 100 years old will receive cash gift worth P100,000 through the DSWD as the government’s way in honoring the centenarians.

Aside from the cash gift, the centenarians also received a letter of felicitation signed by the President of the Philippines.

One centenarian, who recently received the amount, said his secret to having a long life is eating fish and vegetables only.

Lolo Jose (not his real name) added that keeping a positive view in life is also one of the factors why he reached 100 years old.

DSWD-7, in a statement, said that Lolo Jose was a hardworking man in his younger years and was able to support his children's education.

Lolo Jose could not contain his excitement upon knowing that he would be receiving the amount.

When asked what he will do with his money, he said “ipalit ug bugas ug sud-an (I will buy rice and viand).”

Lolo Jose also plans to renovate his room, as he is living with his youngest daughter’s house in the midwest part of Cebu.

Some centenarians may not be as healthy as Lolo Jose, but their faces exuded joy when they received the centenarian cash gift, the DSWD-7 personnel had observed.  GAN (FREEMAN)