A total of ₱1.74 million in cash incentives was distributed to 174 qualified octogenarians and nonagenarians in Mangaldan under the Expanded Centenarian Act (Republic Act No. 11982).

Each qualified senior citizen received ₱10,000 from the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) Regional Office I in recognition of their lifetime contributions to the community.

Mayor Bona Fe de Vera-Parayno personally attended the distribution ceremony to congratulate the elderly beneficiaries and reaffirm the local government’s continued support for programs promoting the welfare of senior citizens.

The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), General Services Office (GSO), and barangay senior citizen presidents assisted in verifying documents and ensuring a smooth payout process.

According to OSCA Head Ruben Reside, the beneficiaries included seniors who reached milestone ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95 between March 17 and June 30, 2024.

Maureen Dela Cruz, Project Development Officer II of the NCSC, explained that the first batch of cash grants covered seniors who reached milestone ages in the first half of 2024, as the program’s funding began only this year. Seniors who reached those ages in the second half of 2024 will receive their incentives in the next round of distribution.

The NCSC aims to release the remaining assistance to qualified beneficiaries from July to December 2024, as well as that for 2025, by the end of this year. (Ahikam Pasion)