Davao City this year will implement the Expanded Centenarian Act, which aims to provide P10,000 cash incentives for senior citizens aged 80, 85, 90, and 95.
The incentives for senior persons are in line with Republic Act 11982, which recognizes the efforts of those who have achieved significant age milestones. It also serves as a way of showing gratitude for their lifetime accomplishments and commitment.
Lorenzo Borja, Head of the Office of Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA), said the cash incentives will be given to seniors who turned 80, 85, 90, or 95 this year.
Those who will turn 81, 82, 83, and 84 among others this year are not eligible.
“Kapag mag-birthday ka karon nga year dapat exactly 80 ka. Pero pag mag-birthday ka karon nga year mag-81 ka, dili na ka apil (You should be exactly 80 when you celebrate your birthday this year. If you are turning 81 this year, you are not eligible),” he said.
He said to expedite the process, senior citizens should go to the OSCA to submit an application and provide the necessary documents, which include a full-body photo, a 2″ by 2″ ID photo, an OSCA ID, and a national ID. Elderly people without national identification can use their driver’s license, birth certificate, Comelec ID, or SSS ID.
He added that family members of elders who cannot go to the OSCA, especially those bed-ridden, may visit their office to complete the application process.
He said elders who qualify will be notified when and where the payoff will take place. The OSCA will go to the homes of those who are bed-ridden to release the incentives.
“Kung earlier sila mag-file, mas maayo kay pag-birthday nila dala-on na sa ilahang balay (It’s better for them to file earlier for us to deliver the incentives to their home on their birthday),” he said.
Borja urged the elders to submit their applications three months before their birthdays. Dabawenyos may go to the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs located at the Legislative Bldg. SP G/F, Magallanes St., Davao City. Dabawenyos may also contact them at (082) 222-8061, (082) 241-1000 Loc 394 or email them at osca@davaocity.gov.ph. CIO
