A longtime senior citizens advocate hailed the signing of Republic Act No. 11982, or the Expanded Centenarian Act, and expressed optimism that the new law “would be the first of many measures under the Marcos administration that will benefit our country’s elderly”.
According to Manila 6th District Representative Benny Abante Jr., the Expanded Centenarian Act “is a small gesture of gratitude to our lolos and lolas who have done so much for their families, their communities, and their country”.
Abante, one of the principal authors of the measure in the House of Representatives, thanked President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. for signing the law, an act “that shows that our senior citizens will not be forgotten and will be cared for in the Bagong Pilipinas”.
Filipino senior citizens living in the Philippines or abroad will receive P10,000 upon reaching 80 years old, P20,000 upon reaching 90 years old, and P100,000 upon reaching 100 years old.
Under the new law, Filipino senior citizens living in the Philippines or abroad will receive P10,000 upon reaching 80 years old, P20,000 upon reaching 90 years old, and P100,000 upon reaching 100 years old.
The veteran legislator likewise expressed optimism that the passage of a measure establishing a National Center for Geriatric Health and Research Institute (NCGHRI) would soon be ready for the President’s signature after the House Appropriations panel passed the Geriatric Health Act earlier this month.
“This recent development shows that the members of the House are committed to the needs of our elderly.”
The seasoned lawmaker pointed out that “this recent development shows that the members of the House are committed to the needs of our elderly, and it is clear today that the President shares our concern for them as well”.
Under the proposed measure, the Dr. Eva Macaraeg-Macapagal National Center for Geriatric Health (DEMMNCGH) under the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRRMMC) will be converted to a national specialty center to be known as the NCGHRI.
The new institute will provide:
(1) hospital-based services to ensure the availability of medical facilities and equipment for senior citizens needing acute and sub-acute care, geriatric palliative care, outpatient care and transitional care services;
(2) specialized clinical, public health, and operations research and training programs;
(3) technical assistance and capacity building in the establishment of geriatric specialty centers in the regions; and
(4) programs and services for the special needs of senior citizens with disabilities.
