Bangued: A total of 468 senior citizens from Abra province have received cash gifts under Republic Act (RA) 11982, known as the Expanded Centenarian Act of 2024, the National Commission on Senior Citizens (NCSC) announced Thursday. Among the recipients was Demetria ‘Demi’ Valeros, a recent centenarian who received PHP100,000, along with four others. They received their cash gifts either personally or through a legal representative during a ceremonial distribution at the Abra Provincial Capitol in Bangued on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the benefits provided under RA 11982, signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. last year, include a PHP10,000 grant to senior citizens upon reaching the ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95. The law also maintains the PHP100,000 cash gift for centenarians, as stipulated under the Centenarians Act of 2016 (RA 10868). Seniors aged 80 and 90 received PHP10,000 each and a special citation from the President, recognizing their contributions to society.

The distribution, conducted in partnership with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), covered senior citizens from 25 municipalities who reached the ages of 80, 90, or 100 between March 2024 and June 2025. Catherine Lejos of NCSC-Abra confirmed the successful distribution of the benefits in two batches. Meanwhile, 83-year-old Felicidad Aquino from Baguio City expressed her eagerness to be among the future beneficiaries, stating, ‘I am waiting for it. I also look forward to receiving it.’