President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. led the distribution of cash gifts to qualified beneficiaries of Republic Act (RA) 11982 or the Expanded Centenarians Act of 2024 on Wednesday at Heroes Hall in Malacañang Palace.

According to the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) and its partner government agencies, the government will distribute over P2.9 billion to more than 275,000 senior citizens nationwide this year, recognizing their valuable contributions to society.

In his speech, Marcos reminded the Filipino people to take care of the elderly.

“Let us not forget our elders. Let us show them our love and show that we are proud of them for the contributions they have made to our society,” he said.

Under the Expanded Centenarians Act of 2024, senior citizens will receive P10,000 every five years starting at the age of 80, and those who have reached the age of 100 will receive P100,000.

This new measure ensures sustained assistance and appreciation for their lifelong contributions.

During the small ceremony at the Palace, 14 senior citizens were recognized, including three individuals aged 80, three seniors aged 85, five elders aged 90, and three centenarians.

This event was also held simultaneously nationwide, benefiting 1,079 seniors.

Marcos noted that the government, as well as society, needs to do more for the elderly to ensure their well-being is secured, safe, and comfortable.

“Seventy-three percent of our senior citizens are still relying on their children for support and 55 percent of their health expences are being paid out of their pockets,” he said.

He lamented that there are seniors who do not receive proper long-term care, many are living alone and others feel they no longer have value in their family and society.

“Don't think about that,” Marcos told the senior citizens present. ”Sadly, many of them have experienced abuse.”

Marcos stressed that the senior citizens must not experience these problems at this stage of their lives.

“They deserve nothing less than our love, our care, our protection, our respect, and our honor. That’s why we are taking steps to ensure a better life of our senior citizens,” he said.

The United Nations (UN) projected that Filipinos aged 60 and above will exceed 10 percent from 2025 to 2030.

Present during the event were Senator Imee Marcos, the President’s sister, and Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., the authors of RA 11982.