Lanao del Norte – The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office X (DSWD FO X) celebrates the lives of 38 centenarians from various provinces across Northern Mindanao, honoring their remarkable longevity and contributions to their communities.

The honored centenarians came from Bukidnon (8), Camiguin (1), Lanao del Norte (6), Misamis Occidental (8), and Misamis Oriental (13), with the eldest being a 107-year-old from Lanao del Norte.

Each centenarian received a P100,000 cash gift through the Department’s Centenarian program. Living centenarians also received a Letter of Felicitation signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., while the nearest surviving relative of deceased centenarians was given a Posthumous Plaque of Recognition.

In Lanao del Norte, Buenaventura Celestial, aged 102; Ambayolan Macabuat, aged 101; and Salamina Angnie, aged 100, were among the six centenarians who recently received their awards. They all shared that the secrets to their longevity include eating organic vegetables and maintaining a positive outlook.

The Centenarian Program is based on Republic Act 10868, also known as the ‘Centenarian Act of 2016,’ which honors Filipino centenarians with additional benefits and privileges.

Local government units (LGUs) also provide additional awards and incentives to centenarians in their areas, following the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s directives and guidelines.

This program is a collaborative effort between the DSWD and LGUs, with the latter responsible for submitting the necessary documentation to facilitate the processing of the cash gifts.

In addition, the Centenarian Act has been expanded through Republic Act 11982, known as the “Expanded Centenarian Act,” which allows Filipino senior citizens aged 80, 85, 90, and 95 to receive a P10,000 cash gift. This expanded program is currently awaiting the finalization of its implementing rules and regulations.

Senior citizens, especially those of advanced age, are urged to register with the Elderly Data Management System to ensure they can claim the grant once fully implemented, as well as participate in the existing centenarian program.