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CENTENARIAN BILL APPROVED BY HOUSE ON THIRD READING

Press Statements
  • Rep. Edcel C. Lagman
  • Independent, Albay
  • 0916-6406737 / 0918-9120137
  • 21 March 2012

 

  • CENTENARIAN BILL APPROVED
  • BY HOUSE ON THIRD READING

         

          Filipino Centenarians will soon get their just rewards for longevity and healthy lifestyles.

           House Bill No. 834 (“Centenarians Act of 2012”), principally authored by Rep. Edcel C. Lagman, Independent-Albay, was approved on third and final reading on 21 March 2012 before the House of Representatives adjourned for the Lenten break.

           Lagman said that the “Philippines is now on the threshold of joining many countries like Sweden, Japan, the United states, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Italy which have a long and noble tradition of honoring their centenarians with congratulatory messages form heads of State, financial assistance and other economic benefits.”

           Lagman underscored that HB. No. 834 goes beyond giving additional benefits and privileges to Filipino centenarians residing in the Philippines or abroad as it encourages esteem and high regard for the elderly and honors the rare individuals who live way past the national life expectancy by declaring September 25th as “National Respect for Centenarians Day”.

           He added that “every Filipino must be inspired by and aspire to achieve both the longevity and exemplary lives led by our centenarians who are role models for aging well and living long.”

           Under the centenarian bill, Filipinos, both in the Philippines and abroad, are entitled to the following benefits:

           1) A cash gift of P100,000.00 on their 100th birthday and a congratulatory letter from the President of the Philippines;

           2) An additional cash reward from the local government unit where they are residing at the option of the LGU concerned;

           3) Posthumous plaques of recognition in honor of all deceased centenarians who died before the effectivity of the law which will be presented to the nearest surviving relative;

           4) Fifty percent (50%) discount and exemption from the value added tax (VAT), if applicable, on the sale of goods and services from all establishments for the exclusive use and enjoyment or availment of centenarians; and

           5) Declaring every 25th of September as “National Respect for Centenarians Day” wherein all Filipinos who have become centenarians during the year shall be awarded plaques of recognition and cash incentives by their respective city or municipal governments in appropriate ceremonies.

           Lagman said that according to studies made in Okinawa, Japan which enjoys the longest life expectancy in the world, the key to living a long and productive life may lie in the following factors: (1) a diet that is heavy on grains, fish, and vegetables and light on meat, eggs, and dairy products; (2) low-stress lifestyles; (3) a caring community where older adults are not isolated and are taken better care of; (4) high levels of activity; and (5) spirituality and a sense of purpose.