House okays bill on rewards for centenarians

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino centenarians would soon get their just rewards for longevity and healthy lifestyles, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman said yesterday.

He said the House of Representatives has approved his Bill 834, or the proposed Centenarians Act of 2012.

“The Philippines is now on the threshold of joining many countries like Sweden, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Italy which have a long and noble tradition of honoring their centenarians with congratulatory messages from heads of state, financial assistance and other economic benefits,” he said.

Lagman said HB 834 goes beyond giving additional benefits and privileges to Filipino centenarians residing in the Philippines or abroad as it “encourages esteem and high regard for the elderly and honors the rare individuals who live way past the national life expectancy” by declaring Sept. 25 as National Respect for Centenarians Day.

He said, “Every Filipino must be inspired by and aspire to achieve both the longevity and exemplary lives led by our centenarians who are role models for aging well and living long.”

Under the Lagman bill, Filipinos, both in the Philippines and abroad, are entitled to the following benefits:

• A cash gift of P100,000 on their 100th birthday and a congratulatory letter from the President.

• An additional cash reward from the local government unit where they are residing at the option of the LGU concerned.

• Posthumous plaques of recognition in honor of all deceased centenarians which will be presented to the nearest surviving relative.

• Fifty percent discount and exemption from the value added tax, if applicable, on the sale of goods and services from all establishments for the exclusive use and enjoyment of centenarians.

The bill mandates that during the proposed National Respect for Centenarians Day, all Filipinos who have become centenarians during the year would be awarded plaques of recognition and cash incentives by their respective city or municipal governments in appropriate ceremonies.

Citing studies in Okinawa, Japan, which enjoys the longest life expectancy in the world, Lagman said the key to living a long and productive life may lie in a diet that is heavy on grains, fish, and vegetables and light on meat, eggs, and dairy products; low-stress lifestyles; a caring community where older adults are not isolated and are taken better care of; high levels of activity; and spirituality and a sense of purpose.