BONTOC, Mountain Province– Three individuals who reached the age of 100 years this year were recently honored by the provincial government as Provincial Centenarians.
They are Isabel Pawilen Aquin of Besao East but presently staying with one of her children in Dagupan, Pangasinan; Francisca Diwas De Castro of Cagubatan,Tadian, and Venancio Tamtam Carpio of Palitud, Paracelis.
Giving recognition to centenarians in the province is provided for under Provincial Ordinance No. 192 also known as the Centenarian Recognition and Awards Ordinance of Mountain Province.
Each qualified centenarian is awarded a plaque of recognition, a congratulatory resolution, and a one time cash award of P20,000.00.
The centenarian is also entitled to a regular monthly visit by government health personnel from the rural health units in his residence for health check-up, and monitoring by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.
Qualified under this program are centenarians who are permanent residents of the province for at least 10 years prior to the date of award or recognition and who are certified to be of good moral character by the Punong Barangay; and must be personally present to receive the award or recognition unless physically incapable.
A birth certificate is necessary to validate the age of the nominee for the award. In the absence of a birth certificate, school records, or baptismal certificates or other documents ascertaining the date of birth may be submitted to the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.
Implementation of this program started in 2015 where three centenarians were given recognition by the provincial government.14 others were awarded in 2016 and 2017.
This provincial initiative complements Republic Act 10868 or the Centenarians Act of 2016 where Filipinos who have reached the age of 100 shall receive a cash award of P100, 000, a “centenarian gift” from the national government thru the Department of Social Welfare and Development. **PIA Mtn. Province
