Rizal Hall, Malacañang
September 26, 2016

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities (PACFMC) and the presentation of the signed Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) No. 10868 or the Centenarians Act of 2016, held at the Rizal Hall of Malacañang.

In his keynote address, the President related some concrete accomplishments during his stint as mayor of Davao City, which garnered the highest PACFMC award as the ‘Highly Urbanized City’ in this year’s awarding ceremony. These included a home for the aged, a big mansion called ‘Balay Dangupan’ or House of Refuge for incest victims, and a drug rehabilitation center.

According to President Duterte, he never really appeared in such awarding ceremonies simply because he is paid to serve the people and he does not accept awards. “But of course the civility in our needs and government requires that we give recognition to the people who have invested sweat, toil and everything for their love of humanity. And so I am happy to be here addressing you,” he said.

Among the other awardees are Santiago City (Independent Component City) from Region II, Ilagan City in Isabela (Component City) from Region II, Buenavista in Guimaras (1st to 3rd Class Municipality) from Region VI, and Dumalneg in Ilocos Norte (4th to 6th Class Municipality) from Region I.

Pursuant to Executive Order (EO) No. 184 entitled “Establishing the Presidential Award for the Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities” issued on December 13, 1999, the PACFMC was initiated by the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC).

In the same occasion, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy Taguiwalo presented the signed IRR of RA No. 10868 or the Centenarian Act of 2016. It is created for all Filipinos in the country and abroad who have reached 100 years old and above. With this law, they will be granted
PhP 100,000 as cash gift and a Letter of Felicitation signed by the President.

Moreover, centenarians would also receive a cash incentive and a plaque of recognition from their respective city or municipal governments as part of the annual Elderly Filipino Week. Likewise, the first Sunday of October is also the National Respect for Centenarians Day.

During the activity, President Duterte handed over a ceremonial gift check and a felicitation letter to Lourdes Marquez, a 108-year old resident of Caloocan City.

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