CAPAS, Tarlac, Feb. 11, 2026 — Four Aeta centenarians have finally received their long-awaited ₱100,000 cash gifts under the Expanded Centenarians Act, during a ceremony led by the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) at the Capas Events Center.

NCSC Chairperson and CEO Ma. Merceditas Gutierrez personally handed over the cash grants, along with felicitation letters from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., recognizing the milestone of the indigenous elders. 

“We can truly deliver the proper gift to Filipino senior citizens if we work together—from local to national government,” Gutierrez said, assuring that future distributions will be faster as beneficiaries may now choose between cash or bank transfer.

The ceremony was marked with birthday cakes and messages of gratitude from the families of the recipients. One beneficiary’s son expressed appreciation, saying the cash gift would be used to buy livestock. “Salamat po dahil natugunan na po. Ito lang po yung bilang pamana po sa amin,” he said.

Senior Citizens Partylist Representative Rodolfo Ordanes also joined the event, highlighting the importance of extending social protection to indigenous and isolated elderly Filipinos. He emphasized that the Expanded Centenarians Act ensures recognition and financial support for all Filipinos reaching the age of 100, regardless of background.

The distribution of the centenarian cash gifts comes after years of advocacy to ensure that indigenous elders are not left behind in government programs. The NCSC reiterated its commitment to promptly act on applications and to safeguard the rights and dignity of senior citizens across the country.

This milestone not only honors the longevity of the Aeta elders but also symbolizes the government’s effort to bridge gaps in social welfare, ensuring that even the most marginalized communities receive the recognition and support they deserve.

Image from Nueva Ecija TV48