29/05/2026
๐๐จ๐ง๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ข๐๐: ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ก๐จ๐ง๐จ๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ง๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐ง๐ฌ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ซ๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ
GENERAL SANTOS CITY โ Twenty-five centenarians in Region XIIโeach carrying more than a century of lived historyโwere honored by the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) in the first quarter rollout of the Expanded Centenarians Act (ECA).
The recognition formed part of the nationwide implementation of the ECA, which highlights Filipino senior citizens who have reached milestone ages and their enduring legacy to family and community.
In Region XII, the NCSC conducted its first quarter Cash Gift Distribution from April 15 to 28, serving a total of 1,269 grantees across 42 localities, with โฑ14,940,000 in cash assistance released.
At the center of the rollout were the 25 centenarians, who each received โฑ100,000 cash gifts and a letter of felicitation from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., marking the governmentโs recognition of their longevity and lifetime contributions.
Among them, Kumbay Guiandalusa Alba of Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat, aged 112 years old, stood as the oldest centenarian in the regional distribution, symbolizing a life that has spanned generations of change, memory, and community transformation.
Data showed Sultan Kudarat leading with 15 centenarians, followed by Cotabato Province with five, South Cotabato with three, and Sarangani with two.
Beyond centenarians, the ECA also covered senior citizens who reached the milestone ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95, with each receiving โฑ10,000. The total grantees included 442 from 2024 qualifiers, 679 from 2025, and 148 from 2026.
South Cotabato posted the highest number of grantees with 636, followed by Sultan Kudarat with 373, Cotabato Province with 124, and Sarangani with 111.
The distribution was implemented in close coordination with Local Government Units through their Offices for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) and Local Social Welfare and Development Offices, with strong support from local chief executives and partner stakeholders.
The rollout in Region XII was spearheaded by NCSC XII Regional Director Rochelle Gajete-Oco, ensuring smooth validation, orderly distribution, and timely release of benefits across geographically dispersed areas.
โEach centenarian we honor represents not just longevity, but a lifetime of stories, sacrifices, and contributions that helped shape our communities. Through the Expanded Centenarians Act, we ensure that their years are met with dignity, recognition, and meaningful support,โ Dr. Gajete-Oco said.
At the national level, the NCSC, led by Chairperson Ma. Merceditas N. Gutierrez, continues to strengthen implementation of the ECA through streamlined systems and innovations such as bank transfer options, improving accessibility and reducing processing time for grantees.
In 2025, the first full year of implementation, NCSC Region XII served over 9,200 grantees, releasing more than โฑ96 million in cash assistance, laying the groundwork for a more efficient and expanded rollout in 2026.(NCSC XII)
