Longevity carries stories that stretch across generations. In Capas, Tarlac, four Aeta elders reached a rare chapter of life, crossing the 100 year mark and becoming living records of heritage, endurance, and service to their community. Their recognition was marked through the awarding of national centenarian grants, an event that honored age, cultural identity, and contributions to the nation.
The program formally recognized Orlando Sumawang, 106, Brigido Capiz, 102, Rodregez Taroza, 102, and Miring Tarroza, 102. Each received a Php100,000 cash grant under Republic Act No. 11982, also known as the Expanded Centenarians Act. The initiative affirms the country’s respect for milestone agers and acknowledges their roles in shaping families and local communities.
The National Commission for Senior Citizens directed the immediate processing of the grants after the program’s transfer from the Department of Social Welfare and Development to the commission in 2025. The action addressed a backlog from the previous year, aiming to provide recognition to elders who qualified but had not yet received their grants.
NCSC Chairperson and CEO Atty. Ma. Merceditas N. Gutierrez explained that the commission moved forward with validation and documentation even without an allocated budget in 2024. She noted that coordination with the Department of Budget and Management allowed continued processing of qualified senior citizens. The commission later recorded over Php2.8 billion in grant distribution in 2025, covering delayed releases and reflecting strong program execution.
Gutierrez also emphasized the importance of close coordination with local government units. She encouraged proactive tracking of senior citizens nearing their centennial year to allow early preparation of documents and avoid delays. The partnership with the Capas local government played a key role in completing requirements for the Aeta grantees and securing the timely release of their grants.
Local leaders echoed the significance of the recognition. Capas Mayor Atty. Roseller “Boots” Rodriguez expressed appreciation for the swift action taken to support indigenous elders, describing the effort as responsive to the needs of Aeta communities. The mayor also highlighted the contributions of indigenous elders as part of the town’s cultural and social fabric.
The program stressed that the cash grant is not assistance but a national gesture of gratitude. Organizers described the recipients as grantees rather than beneficiaries, recognizing their lifetime contributions to family, community, and local history. The award also affirms the importance of indigenous elders as cultural stewards and community anchors.
The celebration included messages of support from national leaders. A letter of felicitations from the Office of the President honored the centenarians’ long lives and contributions to society. Senior Citizens Partylist Representative Rodolfo Ordanes personally greeted the grantees and reaffirmed efforts to expand pension coverage for all senior citizens. United Senior Citizens Partylist Representative Milagrosa Magsaysay also provided additional gifts during the ceremony, strengthening national support for elder welfare.
Community voices further highlighted the program’s meaning. Indigenous community leader Ptr. Ernie Taroza thanked government agencies and local officials for recognizing Aeta elders and their place in the nation’s shared history.
The event also introduced improvements to the grant distribution system. The NCSC announced a pilot bank transfer option to speed up the release of cash grants. Through this method, qualified centenarians who choose the bank deposit option can receive their grants directly through ATM accounts, allowing safer and more transparent transactions.
The awarding ceremony closed with Capas Vice Mayor Alex Espinosa affirming the local government’s commitment to continued support for senior citizens, particularly those from indigenous communities.
Reaching 100 years remains a rare milestone. For the four Aeta centenarians of Capas, the recognition extended beyond age. It honored resilience, cultural memory, and a lifetime of contributions that shaped families, strengthened communities, and enriched local heritage. Their stories stand as reminders that longevity carries value measured not only by years lived but by lives shaped along the way.
