By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff reporter
LAOAG CITY—At least three senior citizens from Ilocos Norte received their centenarian gift on January 22, 2019 courtesy of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte.
Of the PHP4 million budget allocation for 2019 as provincial government counterpart for centenarian benefits in the province, at least PHP15,000 each were turned over to Mauricio P. Rosqueta from Valdez, Marcos; Nicolas P. Abaro from Fortuna, Marcos; and Doroteo R. Rivera from Talugtog, Solsona.
“The gift checks were delivered personally by a team from the PSWDO to the beneficiaries,” said provincial social welfare and development officer Lilian Rin.
Under Provincial Ordinance No. 2018-10-063 approved on December last year, less fortunate senior citizens who struggle with the financial burdens of medical and funeral expenses get cash incentive.
This is apart from the centenarian gift of Php100,000 each one will receive from the national government under Republic Act (RA) 10868 or the Centenarians Act of 2016.
The centenarian act entitles all Filipinos who reach 100 years old, whether residing in the Philippines or abroad an amount of PHP100,000 with a Letter of Felicitation from the President of the Philippines congratulating the celebrant for his or her longevity.
Signed on June 23, 2016, the law also states that the centenarians shall also be awarded a plaque of recognition and a cash incentive by their respective city or municipal governments in appropriate ceremonies.
In 2018, the Ilocos Norte government has released an initial budget of PHP1.6 million pesos in support for senior citizens.