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Posted by Online on Oct 2nd, 2013
 

The Philippines observes Elderly Filipino Week on October 1-7, 2013. This annual event, embodied in Proclamation No. 470 issued on September 26, 1994, highlights the contributions of the elderly, also called senior citizens, for country, family, and community. The Department of Social Welfare and Development, with partner agencies and senior citizen associations, leads the celebration with activities such as outstanding senior citizen awards, visits to older persons’ centers, exhibits and cultural shows, and the giving of free medical checkup, medicines, cataract operation, eyeglasses, and dentures.

Filipino senior citizens cover 6.4 million or 6.8% of our 94-million population. It is projected that by 2020, Filipinos aged 60 and older would reach 9.7 million. The elderly are an integral part of Philippine society who must be given opportunities to be productive. Most elderly stay with their children or with relatives. Taking care of an elderly family member may require patience, dedication, time and effort, but it is the best way to show respect, love, appreciation, and gratitude for their contributions to society, the upbringing of their children, and helping care for their grandchildren.

Agencies of government, local government units, and private institutions have set up centers for senior citizens where they can go for counseling and livelihood training. The Department of Health has a national health program for them.

The Office for Senior Citizens Affairs in every city and town attends to their requirements.

The elderly enjoy more benefits and privileges under Republic Act (RA) 9994, the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, which amended RA 9257. They are entitled to 20% discount on essential goods and services, including food, medicines, and doctors’ fees. They get discounts on fares for land, air, and sea travel, as well as hotel stay, admission to movie houses, concerts, and leisure activities. The Social Pension Program provides a monthly cash assistance to indigent senior citizens for their basic needs.

We congratulate the Department of Social Welfare and Development, headed by Secretary Corazon J. Soliman, the Department of Health, headed by Secretary Dr, Enrique T. Ona, and other Officers, in their collective efforts to provide socio-economic services to the elderly in our Republic of the Philippines. CONGRATULATIONS AND MABUHAY!

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