MANILA, Philippines — There are 662 Filipino centenarians or those who are 100 years old and older, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
During Tuesday’s House committee on appropriations hearing of the proposed DSWD budget for next year, Secretary Erwin Tulfo, however, said the P66.2 million earmarked as cash gift for these centenarians is not funded under the 2023 national budget.
“We submitted a request to the DBM which they did not grant. They have been informed that there are 662 Filipino centenarians waiting. That is why we are hoping that the social pension for centenarians will be funded, because they might not be able to get it anymore,” Tulfo said.
He said a woman aged 103 came to see him shortly after he assumed office in July to follow up on her cash gift.
”Good thing that lola is still alive and we were able to give her the P100,000 she is entitled to,” Tulfo said.
Centenarians are entitled to a cash gift of P100,000 under the Centenarians Act.
In February, the House approved on third and final reading House Bill 10647 granting additional cash benefits to centenarians as well as recognizing octogenarians and nonagenarians.
Under the proposed measure, those who reach 100 years old may expect a gift of P100,000 and P1 million on their 101st birthday.
Filipinos who reach 80, 85, 90 and 95 will receive a cash gift of P25,000.
The bill was not acted upon before the 18th regular session of Congress adjourned in June.