Benvinida Guerrero, 101-year-old of Barangay Pineda, Pilar,Sorsogon was filled with mixed emotions after personally receiving her cash gift of P100,000.00 from the national government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office V (DSWD) on Thursday, March 17, 2022.

 

Ms. Myla Cruz, Social Welfare Assistant and Older Person Focal together with Ms. Anilyn Bon, MSWDO and Senior Citizens Affair (OSCA) staff led the awarding of grant to the first centenarian of Pilar this 2022. The grant was delivered in their residence witnessed by her family and Punong Barangay Hon. Allan Bujatin.

 

Lola Benvinida was overjoyed after receiving the monetary gift as she exclaimed, “Maagom na ko.” [I am now ready to get married again]

 

On the other hand, Lola Benvinida’s daughter was delighted with the financial assistance given by the government as it will be helpful to them in purchasing their mother’s daily necessities like medicines, milk, and diaper. Likewise, some will be kept for savings.

 

According to her daughter, Lola Benvinida’s secret to maintain a healthy lifestyle to reach a milestone age is to eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, and above all self-discipline.

 

As stated in the Republic Act 10868 also known as Centenarians Act of 2016, all Filipinos who have reached 100 years old will be given a cash gift of P100,000 and a letter of felicitation from the President. This is the government’s special way to celebrate the longevity of the elderlies. Centenarians, rich or poor, residing in the country or in abroad are entitled to receive the cash grant of P100,000.

 

Further, by the virtue of Municipal Ordinance No. 008, series of 2017, “An Ordinance Granting Fiscal Incentive/ Benefit to Bonafide Senior Citizens who have reached the age of Ninety-Five or more and presently living and residing in the municipality of Pilar, Sorsogon“, the MSWD-OSCA who conducted the evaluation to senior citizens, assures that the elderly has provided with care and attention.

 

The ordinance is a way of the LGU-Pilar to express gratitude and recognize the elderly’s contribution to the development of the municipality in particular and the country in general.

 

Furthermore, the DSWD V coordinated with Hon. Mayor Carolyn C. Sy-Reyes prior to the awarding to discuss updates on the grant for the senior citizens of Pilar.