The local government of Cadiz in Negros Occidental has institutionalized the giving of P50,000 bonus per year for the city’s centenarians, through City Ordinance (CO) 09-2026.
“This is on top of the mandated centenarian gift or award under the Centenarians Act of 2016,” Cadiz Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. said in a press release June 28.
“Cadiz is setting a new tone across the nation with the way we honor and give thanks to our centenarians, or soon-to-be super centenarians,” he added.
Under the Centenarians Act of 2016, a resident who reaches the age of 100 years old is qualified to receive P300,000, or P100,000 each from the national, provincial, and city or municipal governments.
But Cadiz is giving more for its lolos and lolas.
“As long as our centenarian is alive, he or she will receive P50,000 bonus per year from the city government of Cadiz,” Escalante said. “This is our way of honoring their continued existence in our communities, and treasuring their matchless endurance.”
On June 18, the mayor, alongside Vice Mayor Vincent Escalante, and other city officials visited three centenarians of Cadiz: Ramona Locsin, 105 years old, of Barangay Zone 1, who received P250,000 in cash incentive; Estilita “Tiling” Alimpolos, 103 years old, of Barangay Sicaba, who got P150,000; and Maria Magbanua, 101, of Barangay Caduha-an, who accepted P50,000.
“The P50,000 bonus we give for their continuance per year goes beyond what is stipulated under the Centenarians Act of 2016,” Escalante said. “It is our way of honoring the lives, sacrifices, and contributions of Cadiznons, who have witnessed the city’s growth and transformation.”
In meeting the three “lucky lolas” anew, the mayor said: “Encounters like these serve as reminders that behind every centenarian is a lifetime of stories, sacrifices, and memories that helped shape families and communities. And Cadiz owes them a lot.” ||
