9 Kalinga centenarians receive P495K; Gov. Edduba adds personal cash gift

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Nine centenarians from across Kalinga received a total of P495,000 in financial incentives from the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU), with Governor James Edduba personally adding a cash gift to each beneficiary as a gesture of gratitude for their invaluable contributions to the province.

On Wednesday, July 1, the PLGU, through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), honored the province's oldest residents by awarding each centenarian a P50,000 provincial incentive. Governor Edduba also personally gave P5,000 to each recipient from his own pocket, bringing the total assistance received by every centenarian to P55,000.

The financial assistance serves as the provincial government's recognition of the centenarians' remarkable milestone and their lifetime of hard work, resilience, sacrifice, and contributions to their families, communities, and the preservation of Kalinga's rich cultural heritage.

According to the Provincial Information Office, the governor's personal cash gift reflected his appreciation beyond the incentives provided under the provincial program.

In a statement, Edduba said the recognition was not merely about celebrating those who had reached 100 years of age but about expressing the province's gratitude to the iKalingas whose decades of dedication, wisdom, and perseverance helped shape Kalinga into what it is today.

Edduba emphasized that senior citizens play a vital role in keeping families united while ensuring that Kalinga's indigenous traditions, values, and ancestral wisdom continue to be passed on to younger generations.

"We recognize our elders. We let them know we are thankful for their contributions to our communities. And we encourage them to stay strong. Dagiti lallakay ken babbaket ket isuda ti mang-um-ummong ti pamilya ken komunidad. Dakkel latta ti tulong da kania tayo," Edduba said.

The governor also expressed his gratitude to the families and caregivers who continue to provide love, patience, and compassionate care to the province's centenarians. He said their unwavering support enables the elderly to live with dignity, comfort, and the care they deserve despite the challenges that come with old age.

Through the incentive program, the provincial government reaffirmed its commitment to honoring senior citizens and recognizing the invaluable role they continue to play in preserving the history, culture, and identity of Kalinga.