President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday led the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) No. 10868 or the Centenarians Act of 2016, a legislation that grants additional benefits and privileges to Filipino centenarians.
During the event, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Judy Taguiwalo said the Act is a tribute to Filipino centenarians who have spent their lifetime in contributing to nation building.
Under RA No. 10868, all Filipinos who have reached 100 years old and above, whether residing in the Philippines or abroad, shall be presented a letter of felicitation from the President, congratulating them for his or her longevity.The said law also provides that a centenarian gift amounting to P100,000 be given to them.
In the same event, President Duterte led the awarding ceremony for the Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities pursuant to Executive Order No. 184.
Deserving local government units are recognized for their vital role in the sustained promotion of children’s rights to survival, development, protection, and participation as well as in ensuring child-friendly governance.
This year’s awardees include Davao City, Region XI for Highly Urbanized City Category; Santiago City, Region II for Independent Component City Category; Buenavista Guimaras, Region VI for 1st and 3rd Class Municipality Category, and; Dumalneg, Ilocos Norte, Region 1 for 4th and 6th Class Municipality.
In his speech, President Duterte said even when he was still mayor of Davao City, he had provided homes for the elderly and the “differently-abled” individuals.
“Ang Davao medyo ma-swerte. We have home for the aged, it’s a big one. It’s really big and we gather all those who are in the streets. Kaya lang ‘yung iba gusto talaga nila doon sa labas,” Duterte said.
“But we have a special unit that would gather them everyday, every night and bring them to the house of the aged. And, pati mga taga-gobyerno, nandoon na. It’s a big place and if you happen to pass by Davao, kindly let us know and we would show you how we dealt with the problem,” he added. PND
