MANILA, Philippines — A new system will be implemented by The Department of Social Welfare and development that will allow centenarians to receive their cash gift totaling to P100 000 from the government, at the comfort of their homes.
Due to COVID-19, The DSWD thought it would be wise to change how they give out these cash incentives due to the risk it would put on the health and physical limitations of the beneficiaries.
Enacted in 2016, Republic Act 10868 was enacted back in 2016 which states that all Filipinos who have reached at least 100 years old will be given a cash gift of P100,000 and a letter from the President.
DSWD said it has released P560,900,000 for the cash gift of 5,609 centenarians throughout the country from 2016 to 2019.
952 centenarians are expected to benefit from the law this year including 289 beneficiaries who already received their cash gift and letters as of June 15.
In order to receive the gift cash, the beneficiaries or their relatives must first submit documents like birth certificates and Philippine Passports to the local social welfare office and Office for Senior Citizens Affairs. For those who were alive when the law was implemented but unfortunately died before receiving their incentive, their relatives may submit documents as well to receive the incentive.
The documents will then be validated, processed, and the cash gifts released accordingly.
The DSWD stated that is has set aside funds for overseas centenarians to be distributed once the joint memorandum circular between relevant agencies is signed this year.
With additional reports: Philstar.com
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