Passi City boosts centenarian cash gift to PHP 150,000

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Passi City government has increased its cash gift for centenarians to PHP 150,000 following the passage of City Ordinance No. 2026-013, which amends City Ordinance No. 2023-047.

The amended ordinance raises the incentive from PHP 100,000 to PHP 150,000 and takes effect retroactively on Jan. 1, 2026.

The proposed amendment was discussed during a committee hearing at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Session Hall earlier this month.

The hearing was jointly conducted by the Committee on Finance, Budget and Appropriation and the Committee on Laws, Rules and Internal Government.

Eleuteria David of Barangay Mambiranan Pequeño, who celebrated her 100th birthday on Feb. 21, received the PHP 150,000 cash gift.

Mayor Stephen A. Palmares personally handed over the assistance, together with Evelyn Payas, city social welfare and development officer, and Dr. Elgita Fernandez, head of the Office of the Senior Citizens’ Affairs.

The Passi City government said the increase reflects its commitment to providing stronger support to senior citizens amid rising living costs.

The city government added that the initiative honors elderly residents by recognizing not only their longevity but also the legacy and wisdom they share with the community.

Passi City is the first local government unit in Iloilo province to grant an additional PHP 150,000 cash gift on top of the PHP 100,000 benefit provided by the national government to qualified centenarians.

Under Republic Act No. 10868, or the Centenarians Act of 2016, as amended by Republic Act No. 11982, or the Expanded Centenarians Act, Filipino citizens who reach 100 years old are entitled to a PHP 100,000 cash gift from the national government, along with a letter of felicitation signed by the president and a certificate of recognition. With the local ordinance, centenarians in Passi City now receive a combined PHP 250,000 from both the national and city governments.