The City of Valenzuela, led by Mayor Wes Gatchalian, on Wednesday granted cash incentives worth P50,000 to 12 centenarians in celebration of the Elderly Filipino Week.

As mandated by Proclamation No. 470, every month of October is the celebration of "Elderly Filipino Week" which aims to recognize the valuable contributions of Filipino senior citizens over the years and extend support to their needs. 

Centenarians were set to receive the said incentive once every year, and its distribution to qualified centenarians was by virtue of Ordinance No. 300, series of 2016. It was amended by Ordinance No. 652, series of 2020, which raises the cash incentive from P20,000 to P50,000 due to economic considerations.

The 12 centenarian residents came from barangays Bagbaguin, Canumay West, Coloong, Karuhatan, Malinta, Mapulang Lupa, Ugong, and Wawang Pulo. Reportedly, there were five 

100-year-olds, two 101-year-olds, one 102-year-old, three 103-year-olds, and the oldest senior citizen, a 104-year-old elderly woman named Marta Matus.

Aside from financial grants, the city government also ensured that all benefits and other appropriate measures were given to senior citizens to support their needs and secure their well-being.