A total of 1,230 senior citizens in Pampanga aged 95 and above have received ₱123 million in cash incentives from 2015 to 2024, according to reports from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO). The program, initiated under the leadership of former Governor Lilia Pineda and former Vice Governor Dennis Pineda, provides a one-time cash grant of ₱100,000 and congratulatory certificates to senior citizens as part of Provincial Ordinance No. 683.
This initiative was introduced 10 years ahead of the Expanded Centenarian Act of 2024, which provides financial support to senior citizens reaching landmark ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95. Pampanga’s program is considered one of the first provincial initiatives of its kind in the Philippines, recognizing and rewarding centenarians and seniors aged 95 and above. The PSWDO praises Pampanga as a pioneer in offering ₱100,000 cash incentives to senior citizens.
From 2022 to 2024, 585 senior citizens aged 95 and above benefited from this program, with 200 recipients each in 2022 and 2023, and 185 in 2024. To receive the cash incentive, beneficiaries were required to submit proof of age, Kapampangan origin or permanent residency, and other supporting documents. In cases where a beneficiary passed away before receiving the incentive, provisions in the ordinance ensured the amount would be processed as part of the estate, in accordance with existing laws.
In the 2022-2024 period, the program served 51 senior citizens in District I, with Mabalacat contributing 26 and Magalang 23. District II had 145 beneficiaries, with Guagua having 36, Lubao 35, and Porac 25. District III posted the highest number of recipients at 202, including 72 from the City of San Fernando, 44 from Mexico, and 32 from Arayat. District IV assisted 187 seniors, including 53 from Candaba, 22 from Macabebe, and 20 from San Luis.
The program also showed a higher number of female beneficiaries compared to male, with 160 females assisted in 2022, 159 in 2023, and 143 in 2024. Male recipients numbered 40, 41, and 42 in the same years, respectively.
One of the recipients, 102-year-old Pio Bagtas from Mexico, expressed his gratitude during a simple check turnover ceremony at the Capitol. “Dakal pung salamat kening binye yu pu kekami. Kalambat ku ne pung panenayan ini (Thank you so much for this help. I’ve long waited for this),” Bagtas said, as Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda presented him with his check. Governor Pineda also provided wheelchairs to elderly recipients who were no longer able to walk.
Vice Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda, known for her personal touch in distributing checks, shared heartfelt words of wisdom during the event. “Ibie yu pu ing lugud yu kareng kekayung pengari para lakas la at ela misasakitan. Kasi pu ikayu ing inspirasyun da. Ikayu pu ing inspirasyun da king pamibie-bie (Please love your parents so they can live longer and endure the pains of aging. You are their inspiration to keep going).”
The Pineda administration’s initiative continues to uplift and recognize the contributions of Pampanga’s senior citizens, ensuring that they are honored and cared for in their later years.
