Living up pto 100 years old and becoming a centenarian is a rare milestone—especially in the Philippines, where centenarians make up only a small fraction of the population (just 0.008% of the population as of the 2010 census). For Filipino veterans who reach this age, the Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP) offers a special one-time financial assistance of PHP 50,000, as a way of honoring Philippine veterans who have lived a full century and remained loyal to the organization.
This guide breaks down exactly how to apply for the VFP Centenarian Cash Gift, who qualifies, and what documents are needed.
Program Overview
The Centenarian Cash Gift is a financial assistance program designed to recognize and celebrate the Philippine veterans for their longevity, loyalty, resilience, and service. It is part of a broader effort to support aging veterans who’ve dedicated their lives to the country and lived to a hundred years and beyond. Take note that though it is similar in nature, this is different from the centenarian gift given by the national and local government units.
What Does the Program Cover?
The program entitles centenarian veterans to:
- A one-time cash gift of PHP 50,000.
- Only living veterans are eligible to receive this benefit.
- The gift is not transferable to heirs or family members.
Target Beneficiaries
The VFP Centenarian Cash Gift is intended for the following individuals who meet the program’s strict criteria:
- Filipino veterans who are 100 years old or older
- Living recipients only (the gift is not claimable posthumously)
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for this Cash Gift program, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a living veteran who has reached the age of 100 years or older.
- Be a member of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines.
- Be in good standing—this means you have paid your membership dues and have not engaged in any actions that go against VFP policies or its interests.
- Must not be engaged in actions harmful to VFP’s interests
Required Documents
To apply, the following documents must be submitted:
- Application Form
- Downloadable from the VFP website.
- Must be endorsed by the President of the Post, Charter, or Affiliate organization.
- Birth Certificate
- Original copy issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or Local Civil Registrar (LCR).
- If it’s an authenticated copy, it must include the official dry seal.
- Veteran Identification
- Photocopy of VFP Membership ID.
- Photocopy of AFP Retiree ID.
- Photocopy of PVAO Pensioner ID.
- Specimen Signatures
- Three (3) specimen signatures.
- If the applicant can no longer sign and uses thumbprints instead, this must be certified by two disinterested parties, the Post President, or the Barangay Captain.
- Barangay Certificate
- Original copy, confirming the veteran is currently alive and residing in the community.
- Recent Photograph
- A picture of the applicant holding the front page of a recent newspaper showing a clearly readable date.
- The original newspaper must also be submitted.
Application Process
To apply, here are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1. Prepare the Documents
Gather all the required documents listed above. Make sure everything is complete and that the endorsements and seals are properly applied.
For the application form, you may visit the VFP website or Facebook page. You can see how it looks like from the image below:
Step 2. Get Endorsements
Bring your application form and documents to your local Post, Charter, or Affiliate President. They will review and endorse your application if everything is in order.
Step 3. Mail Your Application
Once endorsed, the complete application package must be sent to:
National Headquarters
Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP)
You can use LBC, any mail courier, or the fastest available delivery method.
Role of VFP Officials
Presidents of VFP Posts, Charters, and Affiliates must:
- Verify that the applicant is a member in good standing.
- Endorse the authenticity of all submitted documents.
- Submit the full application package to VFP’s national headquarters.
Final Tips for a Successful Application
For a smooth and hassle-free application, here are some tips that can help you:
- Start Early: Prepare documents ahead of time to avoid delays.
- Keep Copies: Make extra copies of everything submitted for your records.
- Use Trusted Couriers: Always send original documents via a reliable service.
- Stay in Touch: Keep communication lines open with your VFP Post President in case follow-up is needed.
- Inform Family Members: Make sure someone else is aware of the process in case assistance is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For your reference, here are some of the most common questions and answers regarding this program:
1. How much is the cash gift?
PHP 50,000. It’s a one-time award.
2. Can a family member claim it on behalf of a deceased veteran?
No. Only living veterans who meet all the criteria can receive the gift.
3. Where can I get the application form?
The application form is available on the official VFP website or the VFP Facebook account.
4. How do I verify that I’m in good standing?
Check with your local VFP Post or Charter President. If you’ve paid your membership dues and have not violated VFP policies, you should be considered in good standing.
Video: Why Join the VFP
The VFP Centenarian Cash Gift is a tangible way of honoring Filipino veterans who have reached 100 years of age. While the process requires detailed documentation and formal endorsement, the reward is both financial and symbolic—a recognition of long life, service, and sacrifice. Before you can get this cash gift, though, you need to make sure that you are an active VFP member. Learn more bout what being an active VFP member entails by watching this video below:
Contact Information
For more information or if you need help with your VFP Centenarian cash gift application, you may reach out to your local Charter, Affiliate, or Post President. You may also contact the VFP National Headquarters for assistance via the following:
- Address: Gatpuno Villegas St., Ermita, Manila 1000
- Phone: (02) 528-0609 / (02) 528-0610
- Fax: (02) 528-0749
- Email: info@vfp.gov.ph
- Website: www.vfp.gov.ph