CEBU CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported that a total of 1,009 centenarians in Central Visayas received a total of PHP100.9 million worth of cash gifts and presidential citations from 2016 to 2024.

Shalaine Marie Lucero, regional director of DSWD-7, said that since the implementation of the Republic Act 10868 or the Centenarian Act of 2016, DSWD has been consistent in sending presidential letter of felicitation and PHP100,000 cash gift.

Of the 1,009 centenarians who have received the presidential greetings and cash gift, 77 percent or 778 were females while 23 percent or 231 were males.

Lucero reported that Cebu has the highest number of centenarians at 474 (males, 96 and females, 378), followed by Bohol with 282 (males, 73 and females, 209), Negros Oriental with 217 (males, 58 and females, 159), and Siquijor with 36 (males, 4 and females, 32).

Common factors of their longevity are personal practices such as good eating habits, healthy lifestyle, values, deep faith in God, walking, adequate hours of sleep, and positive disposition.

In 2025, the implementation of RA 10868 will be transferred to the National Commission of Senior Citizens.

“The transfer of the implementation includes sharing of data, briefing with the commission on the processes and steps to be undertaken such as the conduct of cash advances, how to engage with LGUs (local government units), and putting the safety of the centenarians during the release –all of these is to ensure a smooth implementation of the program once transferred,” Lucero said. (PNA)