by: Iryn D. Cubangbang, Information Officer II
As of first week of August, the DSWD Field Office 1 (FO1) has released a total funding of Php 41.5M to 415 elderlies aged 100 to 114 years old, the latter being recorded the oldest in the region from Sison, Pangasinan. This also included those family members of deceased Centenarians who also received the same P100,000 each.
Owing to their families who keep taking care of their needs, these centenarians proved longevity in Region 1, DSWD officials said.
As mentioned by Dir. Marcelo Nicomedes Castillo, this incentive giving is among the strategies of the government to recognize remarkable contributions of these elderlies to their families and communities and keeping healthy living as well which was also stipulated in Republic Act 10868 of 2016.
Accordingly, there are 596 Centenarians initially listed by FO1 submitted to Central Office (CO) for funding.
Of this number, 132 reside in Ilocos Norte, 139 in Ilocos Sur, 100 in La Union, and 225 in Pangasinan. Also, there are 181 deceased Centenarians subject for validation.
Recently, a Centenarian from the City of San Fernando, La Union got her check at Field Office 1 amounting to Php 100,000.00. With her were her children and other family members who are also very thankful to this program of the government. According to the Centenarian, being prayerful and vegetarian contributed to her longevity age. The family members were reminded on the proper use of the money and to prioritize the needs of the elderly.
Among those who patiently waited for their turn to be given the Centenarian gift was Lola Tere (alias), 100 years old, from Piddig, Ilocos Norte. In an interview, she shared her secrets to long life. “Agsingsingpet kayo ngamin ah, mangan nateng, prutas, haan a sitsirya (Be good and eat fruits, vegetables and not junk foods),” she said.
Odd as it may be, it was also mentioned by the granny that part of the Centenarian gift will be used to purchase needed materials for her future funeral.
“These Centenarians deserve this incentive from our government because in their productive years, they contributed to any form of human development that our generation is now enjoying,” Director Castillo stressed in one Monday Program of DSWD. (by: Iryn D. Cubangbang, Information Officer II)
