(Photo credit to Ormoc City Government)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the city government of Ormoc headed by Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez handed over a cash gift to centenarian Vicente Devaras.
The P100,000 cash gift was awarded to Devaras in the presence of his family as an act of honoring and granting additional benefits and privileges to Filipino centenarians as mandated by Republic Act 10868 or the Centenarian Act of 2016.
Devaras also received a letter of felicitation signed by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.
“As we gather to honor this exceptional individual, let his journey inspire us to embrace our inner strength, overcome obstacles with unwavering determination, and make a positive impact in our communities,” Mayor Gomez said during the occasion last May 19.
“May Tatay Vicente’s century of inspiration and honor, enriched by his noble service, resonate far and wide, reminding us of the limitless potential within each of us,” she added.
Torres-Gomez said that Devaras is a living testament to the triumph of the ‘human spirit, radiating a remarkable light that ignites hope and uplifts hearts.’
Devaras celebrated his 100 birthday on April 5, 2023.
On May 3, the city government awarded him a cash gift worth P20, 000 at his residence.
In addition to the recognition to the centenarian, the province of Leyte also awarded him a plaque of recognition to acknowledge his contribution to the country’s liberation campaign during the Japanese occupation in the province during World War II.
It was learned that aside from being a war veteran, Devaras in his younger years also worked as a public school teacher in Ormoc.
Since the law took effect, about 80 centenarians in the region have already received P100, 000 cash gift from the government, based on the data of the DSWD-8.
Devaras is the latest or the 20th to receive the cash gift this year.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
