Four Aeta Centenarians Receive Long-awaited Cash Gift

Photo courtesy of Balita

Four Aeta centenarians from Capas, Tarlac have received their ₱100,000 centenarian cash gift. The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) made the announcement on Facebook, adding that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. also sent a felicitation letter. This news highlights efforts to ensure senior citizens receive their due benefits through coordinated local and national government actions.

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The Aeta recipients had previously drawn social media attention as they hadn’t received their centenarian benefits upon turning 100. The delay was attributed to some procedural backlogs, compounded by confusion over the eligibility of indigenous elders due to age verification. The NCSC clarified that they received the application and endorsement for these centenarians on February 6, 2026, which instigated the processing of benefits.

NCSC Chairperson and CEO Ma. Merceditas N. Gutierrez emphasized the importance of collaboration between governmental levels to deliver rightful gifts to senior citizens. The commission is also working to streamline the disbursement process, allowing recipients to choose between cash or bank transfer for the Expanded Centenarian Act (ECA) grant. This approach aims to expedite access and reduce bureaucratic delays for future recipients.

Moving forward, the NCSC assures continued improvement in the administration of these benefits. Efforts will focus on speeding up cash gift delivery and resolving any impediments that cause delays. Ensuring that senior citizens, including indigenous communities, receive their benefits promptly remains a priority, reported Balita.

Key Takeaways

• Four Aeta centenarians in Tarlac received their ₱100,000 cash gift and a letter from President Marcos.

• NCSC seeks to improve the speed of delivering benefits to senior citizens.

• Streamlined processes will facilitate quicker disbursements to eligible recipients.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · Balita · 11 Feb 2026