Some 1,009 centenarians in Central Visayas received a total of P100.9 million in cash gifts and presidential citations from 2016 to 2024.
Department of Social Welfare and Development-Central Visayas (DSWD-7) Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero told the Daily Tribune that since the implementation of Republic Act 10868, or the Centenarian Act of 2016, the DSWD has consistently provided presidential letters of felicitation along with a P100,000 cash gift to eligible recipients.
Lucero noted that Cebu recorded the highest number of centenarians at 474 (96 males and 378 females), followed by Bohol with 282 (73 males and 209 females), Negros Oriental with 217 (58 males and 159 females), and Siquijor with 36 (4 males and 32 females).
Of the 1,009 centenarians, 778 were females (77 percent), while 231 were males (23 percent), all of whom received the presidential greetings and cash gifts.
In 2025, the implementation of RA 10868 will be transferred to the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC).
"The transfer of the implementation includes sharing of data, briefing with the commission on the processes and steps to be undertaken such as the conduct of cash advances, how to engage with the local government units, and putting the safety of the Centenarians during the release -- all of these is to ensure a smooth implementation of the program once transferred," Lucero explained.
Common factors contributing to the centenarians’ longevity include personal practices such as good eating habits, a healthy lifestyle, strong values, deep faith in God, walking regularly, adequate sleep, and maintaining a positive disposition.