Manila: The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) will begin a large-scale distribution of cash gifts in Metro Manila on Sept. 2 as it moves to speed up payouts to elderly Filipinos following a directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
According to Philippines News Agency, the distribution will cover qualified senior citizens who have reached the milestone ages of 80, 85, 90, 95, and 100 under Republic Act 11982, or the Expanded Centenarians Act. The commission also announced that the seven senior citizens who lodged complaints with the Anti-Red Tape Authority are expected to receive their PHP10,000 cash gifts within the day.
The initiative follows Marcos's order to address delays in the release of benefits after complaints from senior citizens. NCSC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Ma. Merceditas Gutierrez stated that the commission would collaborate with local government units and volunteers to expedite the distribution despite challenges related to manpower and logistics.
Gutierrez emphasized that every qualified senior citizen should receive their cash gift efficiently and with dignity. Despite the constraints, the NCSC is committed to working with various partners to ensure proper service delivery.
As of Aug. 26, the commission reported distributing more than PHP1.9 billion to 179,529 senior citizens this year. The payouts included 95,464 beneficiaries aged 80; 54,464 aged 85; 22,682 aged 90; 6,052 aged 95; and 1,240 centenarians.
Under RA 11982, Filipinos reaching the ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95 are eligible for PHP10,000 at each milestone, while those reaching 100 receive PHP100,000 and a letter of felicitation from the President.
The NCSC acknowledged ongoing challenges, such as limited personnel, vehicles, and operating funds, in processing and delivering the benefits. To address these bottlenecks, it plans to enhance coordination with LGUs and involve senior citizen and LGU volunteers in validating applications.
Additionally, the commission aims to expand electronic fund transfers and is coordinating with the Department of Information and Communications Technology to develop an online application system through the eGovPH app.
