The National Commission for Senior Citizens (NCSC) has ordered the immediate release of P100,000 cash gifts for four Aeta centenarians who missed out on the benefit in 2024. This follows the transfer of the program from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to the commission in 2025.

Even before officially receiving the applications, the NCSC moved quickly to resolve the backlog left by the previous agency, ensuring that all remaining beneficiaries are served under Republic Act 11982, also known as the Expanded Centenarians Act.

NCSC chairperson Atty. Merceditas Gutierrez said the commission has continued verifying eligible beneficiaries despite the lack of allocated funds in 2024.

“Even with funding limitations last year, we immediately coordinated with the Department of Budget and Management to make sure the processing of qualified senior citizens continued without interruption,” Gutierrez said.

In 2025, the NCSC released over P2.8 billion in centenarian cash gifts, including payments for delayed beneficiaries from 2024. The commission also reported over 96 percent budget utilization, reflecting faster and more efficient service delivery.

Currently, the NCSC is coordinating with the local government of Capas, Tarlac to complete the necessary documentation so the four Aeta centenarians can receive their cash gifts immediately.

The commission also announced the pilot rollout of a bank transfer system this first quarter to make benefit distribution faster, more transparent, and more secure. “Applicants who choose bank deposit will start receiving their cash gifts directly in their ATM accounts,” Gutierrez said, adding that the system ensures the money reaches the intended recipients quickly and safely.