Issues affecting older persons or senior citizens nationwide will once again take center stage this October 1- 7 as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), together with other government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and senior citizens associations,  leads the Elderly Filipino Week (EFW) celebration.

Presidential Proclamation No. 470 mandates the annual celebration of Elderly Filipino Week or Linggo ng Nakatatandang Filipino every first week of October to emphasize the important role older persons play in nation building, as well as raise awareness, and address issues concerning the older persons’ sector.

This year’s theme, “Pagkilala sa Kakayahan, Ambag at Paglahok ng mga Nakatatanda sa Lipunan”, aims to give recognition to older persons for their valuable contribution to society.

According to DSWD OIC-Secretary Emmanuel Leyco, “Older persons can still actively contribute to the society and to their respective communities. Age is not a hindrance to leading productive lives and in making a difference in society. Our senior citizens still have much to contribute to help the current generation of Filipinos in their efforts to build a better country .”

As part of the annual EFW celebration, the first Sunday of October is also declared as National Respect for Centenarians Day during which, all Filipinos who have turned centenarian in the current fiscal year will be awarded a plaque of recognition and a cash incentive by their respective city or municipal governments in appropriate ceremonies. They will also receive a Letter of Felicitation and a centenarian gift each.

This is in accordance with Republic Act (RA) 10868 or the Centenarians Act of 2016 which states that all Filipinos, who have reached 100 years old and above, whether residing in the Philippines or abroad shall be honored with a Letter of Felicitation from the President of the Philippines congratulating the celebrant for his or her longevity; and a Centenarian gift in the amount of one hundred thousand pesos (P100,000).

Nationwide kick-off activity

Every year, the kick-off activity, Walk for Life, ushers in the week-long celebration on October 1 with an estimated 11,000 participants.

Spearheaded by the Department of Health (DOH) and Philippine Health Insurance (Philhealth), it will be conducted simultaneously nationwide in all SM branches.

For NCR, the Walk will be held at the grounds  of the SM Mall of Asia, starting 6:00 am, followed by a program and free medical services for senior citizens.

Vice President Leni G. Robredo is expected to deliver a message during the program.

Apart from the Walk for Life, the National Steering Committee on EFW has  lined-up a series of activities during the week-long celebration such as a Talakayan on October 4, the Sampung Ulirang Nakatatanda (SUN) Awarding Ceremony led by the Coalition of Services for the Elderly (COSE) on October 8,    Kwento ni Lolo, Kwento ni Lola Story-telling session, Konsyerto ni Lolo at Lola, Dalaw Kalinga and Ms. FSCAP (Federation of Senior Citizens Associations in the Philippines) Coronation.

On October 1 and 7, senior citizens may also avail of free rides in the MRT and LRT. They have to bring their senior citizen’s ID card. 

Social pension, discounts

To ensure the well-being of older persons, the DSWD implements the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens which is the provision of P500 monthly cash grants to indigent senior citizens, as stated in  Republic Act No. 9994. The Department considers the following indigent senior citizens as its priority for inclusion in the program: (1) frail, sickly, or with disability; (2) without pension from GSIS, SSS, AFPMBAI and other insurance companies; and (3) no permanent source of income or regular support from his/her relatives.

For 2017, the DSWD has allotted a total budget of P17.9 billion covering 2.8 million indigent senior citizens aged 60 years old and above. For 2018, the proposed budget of the program is P19.2 billion for 3 million indigent senior citizens.

The Department also continues to advocate for the strict implementation of Republic Act (RA) 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, which provides more benefits and privileges to older persons. They are entitled to 20% discount on the purchase of certain goods and services, special 5% discount on prime commodities and basic necessities, and 5% utility discount on electric and water consumption.

“By fully implementing the law’s provisions, we are promoting and upholding the rights and welfare of older persons,” OIC Sec. Leyco stated. ###