Landbank, NCSC Formalize Digital Cash Gifts for Centenarian Beneficiaries

Photo from the National Commission of Senior Citizens MANILA, Philippines—The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) and the Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) have signed a supplemental agreement that formalizes the nationwide digital distribution of cash gifts under the Expanded Centenarians Act, allowing qualified senior citizens to receive their incentives through electronic payment channels. The Supplemental Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), signed on July 1, institutionalizes the digital release of cash gifts under Republic Act No. 11982, or the Expanded Centenarians Act (ECA), through Landbank’s payment systems. READ: E-fund transfer ready for Expanded Centenarians Act beneficiaries The agreement was signed by NCSC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Ma. Merceditas N. Gutierrez and Landbank President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. NCSC Acting Executive Director IV Ana Marie C. Calapit and Landbank Executive Vice President Marilou L. Villafranca witnessed the signing. According to the NCSC, the agreement supports the government’s broader effort to digitize public services while expanding payment options for qualified beneficiaries. Gutierrez said the partnership is a milestone in improving access to government services for older Filipinos, particularly those covered by the Expanded Centenarians Act. “By modernizing our financial delivery systems, we are not just distributing funds; we are actively eliminating barriers, reducing long lines, and delivering dignity, security, and respect to our older population,” Gutierrez said. Under the Expanded Centenarians Act, Filipinos who reach the milestone ages of 80, 85, 90 and 95 are entitled to a P10,000 cash gift, while those who reach 100 years old receive P100,000. The law, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in February 2024, expanded the original Centenarians Act, which had granted cash incentives only to Filipinos upon reaching 100 years old. READ: 6 Batangas City centenarians receive cash gifts, plaques During the signing, Marcos described the measure as “a homage to the Filipino trait of compassion” toward older persons and said senior citizens deserve “a support infrastructure that every society owes to its greying population.” READ: Bongbong Marcos signs expanded Centenarian Law NCSC said beneficiaries with existing Landbank accounts may have their cash gifts credited directly to their accounts. Through Landbank’s weAccess internet banking facility and bulk crediting system, qualified ECA grantees will receive their cash incentives via a Landbank Perang Inimpok Savings Options (PISO) Plus Account, a Landbank Visa Debit Card, or their nominated bank accounts. Senior citizens without existing Landbank accounts may open one through the bank’s Mobile Banking App or the Digital Onboarding System available at any Landbank branches. Ortiz said the bank’s digital initiatives should address the needs of vulnerable sectors. “The systems we build must always reflect real needs and lived experiences. At Landbank, we believe that true development is not merely measured by technological advancement, but by how effectively we use it to protect and care for the vulnerable sectors of our society,” she said. The NCSC earlier said qualified beneficiaries may choose to receive their incentives through digital payment channels, including bank accounts and other electronic platforms, after submitting the required documents through their local Office for Senior Citizens Affairs or Local Social Welfare and Development Office. For 2026, the commission said it expects to disburse more than P3 billion in cash gifts to around 299,000 beneficiaries through multiple digital payment channels. As of May 2026, it said 75,922 grantees had already received a total of P801.79 million in cash gifts.