Manila, Sept. 14 -- Bong salamat, bong salamat (Big thanks, big thanks)," whispered T'boli elder Ganay Mendal Bongon, 86, as her wrinkled hands clutched the PHP10,000 cash gift she received from the national government like a prized treasure.

Still sprightly and chatty, she laughed and smiled between stories of life in her community and her work as a bead-maker -- a skill she proudly keeps alive in her twilight years.

Bongon was one of four octogenarians from Lake Sebu who received their cash gifts on Saturday under Republic Act 11982 or the Expanded Centenarians Act as part of a nationwide simultaneous special cash gift distribution.

Dubbed "Handog ng Pangulo," the event coincided with the 68th birthday of President Ferdinand R. Marco...