Speaker Romualdez backs funding for amended Centenarian's Act

Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Thursday supported calls for sufficient funding of the amended Centenarian's Act during Elderly Filipino Week, emphasizing its importance in ensuring senior citizens receive proper care.

Romualdez welcomed the recent approval of amendments under Republic Act (RA) 11982 and urged alignment between legislative and executive efforts to secure funding from the Department of Social Welfare and Development savings or Unprogrammed Funds of the 2024 General Appropriations Act.

He endorsed proposals by House Committee on Senior Citizens chairperson Rodolfo Ordanes, stressing that tapping into existing resources is both practical and feasible for this relatively modest amount.

Romualdez also called for clarifying the implementation of RA 11982, particularly for senior citizens whose birthdays fall between the law's passage and its publication, to ensure all eligible beneficiaries receive their cash gifts.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development has distributed PHP20.5 million to 205 centenarians in the Ilocos Region from January to September 30, with targets set for further beneficiaries.