National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) Western Visayas Regional Director Ann Rapunzel “Rara” Ganzon and her staff introduced their office’s banner programs to Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. during their courtesy call this morning.
Ganzon informed Governor Defensor that, during the first semester of this year, Iloilo province recorded the highest number of beneficiaries under the Expanded Centenarian Act (ECA), with 6,766 individuals receiving Php 10,000 each and 68 grantees receiving Php 100,000 from the NCSC.
Under the ECA, senior citizens who reach the ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95 are each entitled to a Php 10,000 cash gift. Those who reach 100 years old—centenarians—are entitled to a Php 100,000 cash gift.
To note, the Iloilo Provincial Government also grants cash incentives to senior citizens aged 85, 95, and 100 under Provincial Ordinance No. 2020-216. Those who reach 85 and 95 years old receive Php 5,000, while centenarians—those who reach 100 years old—are awarded Php 20,000.
Meanwhile, Gov. Defensor committed to support the Senior Citizen Community Care Center (SC3C) and is willing to help the municipalities in the province that will replicate the model SC3C.
SC3C is a one-stop hub for senior citizens that features social and recreational support, livelihood training, medical check-up and other related services.
With Ganzon were her staff, namely, Jaefred Panganiban (Administrative Officer IV), Janela Denise Catalan (Project Development Officer II), Mylene Binondo (Project Development Officer III), and Mary Lourine Hormina (Administrative Assistant III) and Nerces Fortuno, president pf Senior Citizens Federated Association of Iloilo Inc. (SCFAII) – Iloilo and Council Member of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC).
Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) acting head Rani Melvi Cuarte and Senior Citizens Focal Person Tess Comoda also joined in the NCSC visit.