NANCY LAUDS SIGNING OF CENTENARIANS LAW IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS

Senator Nancy Binay praised the Duterte administration's urgent action to implement a law that honors centenarians, providing for them incentives and additional benefits.

"Lubos kong ikinatutuwa ang mabilisang pagsulong ni President Rodrigo Duterte sa Centenarians Law, isang batas na kumikilala at nagbibigay respeto ating mga nakatatanda," Binay said.

The ceremonial signing of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 10868 or the Centenarians Act of 2016 will be signed today, September 26, 2016 at the Rizal Hall of the Malacanang Palace.

Binay, the chairperson of the Senate committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development during the 16th Congress, sponsored the bill. She cited that the measure showcased the Filipino's close-knit family culture wherein the elderly were taken cared and provided for.

"Ito po ang isa sa mga napakahalaga, napakaganda at kakaibang katangian nating mga Pilipino," the lady senator said.

The signing of the IRR was set before the observance of Elderly Filipino Week, which is annually held on October 1 to 7. Coincidentally, the National Respect for Centenarians Day is also held on the first Sunday of October.

President Benigno Aquino III signed the measure into law on June 23.

The law grants all 100 year old Filipinos, whether living in the country or abroad, P100,000.00 as a birthday gift and a letter of felicitation from the President.

Centenarians will also receive an additional cash gift and a plaque of recognition from their respective local government units.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will lead the implementation of the law. The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Health (DOH) and Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) will also aid in carrying out the Centenarian Law.

Binay said that with the law's passage, the country is recognizing the longevity of centenarians as well as what they have done for society.

Article XV of the 1987 Constitution also states: "The family has the duty to take care of its elderly members but the State may also do so through just programs of social security."

"With the immediate implementation of this law, the administration is recognizing our centenarians and providing them with the support that they need. Sila po ay buhay na patotoo na kaya nating mapagtagumpayan ang mga pagsubok ng buhay upang marating ang edad na 100 taon," Binay said.

"This gift is not only in recognition of their age but also a gift that they truly deserve for all their sacrifices and everything they have done for the society as well as their loved ones," the senator explained.

She also added that the city of Makati started the giving of P100,000.00 as cash gift to centenarians in 2013.

With the implementation of this law, Binay urged that the public continue the Filipino culture of taking care of the elderly.

"Sa buong mundo, isa ang ating lahi sa may malalim na kultura ng pagpapahalaga at pag-aaruga sa ating mga nakatatanda. Ipakita po natin sa mga susunod pang henerasyon ang ating paggalang at pangangalaga sa ating mga centenarians," Binay added.