Thirteen senior citizens in Romblon province received cash gifts from the National Commission for Senior Citizens (NCSC) during the nationwide simultaneous Inaugural Cash Gift Distribution led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on February 26, 2025.
Among the recipients was Lola Adoracion Montojo Morgado from the town of Romblon, Romblon, the only centenarian in the group. She received a ₱100,000 cash gift along with a special birthday message from the President.
In addition to the NCSC grant, Montojo also received ₱25,000 from the local government of Romblon in recognition of her century-long contributions to the community.
The 12 other senior citizens, composed of octogenarians (80s) and nonagenarians (90s), each received a ₱10,000 cash gift and a certificate from the government.
During a brief message of gratitude, Lola Adoracion shared her secret to longevity, attributing her strength at 100 years old to a simple diet of kamote (sweet potato) and balinghoy (cassava). She also thanked President Marcos and the government for the financial support.
Meanwhile, the family of 90-year-old Lola Consolacion Molina, who also received ₱10,000 from the NCSC, expressed their appreciation for the program.
“Unang-una po, nagpapasalamat po ako sa buhay ng aking magulang dahil naabot niya ang 90. Pangalawa, salamat kay President Marcos sa biyaya na binigay niya sa aking nanay. Ang gagawin namin sa pera ay ibibili namin sa pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan namin,” said Molina’s family in an interview with PIA Romblon.
The cash distribution was made possible under Republic Act 11982, or the Expanded Centenarians Act, signed into law on February 26, 2024. The law grants ₱10,000 to Filipino octogenarians and nonagenarians, while centenarians receive ₱100,000, in recognition of their contributions to society.
According to NCSC Public Information Officer Maricel De la Vega-Urdas, the commission is working closely with the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) to validate the list of eligible senior citizens and process applications for the cash gift program.
