The local government unit (LGU) of Tagum, in collaboration with the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), and the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (Osca), awarded cash assistance to senior citizens aged 80, 85, 90, and 95 on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at the City Hall Atrium.
New Bank Transfer System for Cash Gifts
Senior citizens in the Davao Region may now directly receive their cash gifts through bank transfers under the Expanded Centenarian Act (ECA), the National Commission on Senior Citizens XI (NCSC-XI) announced on Monday. NCSC-XI Project Development Officer Filbert Bryan Solesta explained that the new system eliminates the need for physical distribution, streamlining the process for beneficiaries.
“Nagsugod na kini siya. Nagadawat na ta karon og enrollment from the senior citizens,” he said, noting that enrollment forms are available at the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA). This has already started, and enrollments are now being accepted from senior citizens.
Solesta clarified that the program only allows bank transfers and does not apply to e-wallets. While this option provides convenience, he emphasized that face-to-face distribution will continue, especially for beneficiaries in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) who do not have bank accounts.
“Magpadayon gyod ang cash gifts distribution activities across the region,” he said, indicating that cash gift distribution activities will definitely continue across the region.
First Quarter 2026 Beneficiaries
During the first quarter of 2026, a total of 3,742 senior citizens benefited from the cash gift amounting to P39.4 million. Of this number, 971 were from Davao City, 505 from Davao Oriental, 176 from Davao Occidental, 674 from Davao del Sur, 811 from Davao del Norte, and 605 from Davao de Oro. Solesta added that the target for the second quarter is to reach 5,000 senior citizens.
Partnerships and Additional Services
During cash gift distribution, NCSC usually partners with PhilHealth to enroll seniors in the YAKAP Program and PhilHealth Gamot, with 347 already enrolled. TESDA also offers hairdressing services, while the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) facilitates the release of National IDs.
Signed into law in early 2024, the Expanded Centenarian Act provides P10,000 cash gifts to senior citizens aged 80, 85, 90, and 95, while those reaching 100 years old receive P100,000.
