The rights of senior citizens were brought into focus as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) led the nationwide observance of the 25th Elderly Filipino Week (EFW) on October 1 to 7. The nationwide celebration started in 1994 with the issuance of Proclamation No. 470 by President Fidel V. Ramos mandating DSWD to lead the annual celebration to highlight the significance of the older persons’ sector to nation-building and advocate for the promotion of their rights and welfare. 

This year’s celebration carried the theme, “Healthy and Productive Aging Starts With ME,” which seeks to promote the health, wellness, and productivity of senior citizens.

The National Steering Committee for EFW, chaired by DSWD and composed of different government agencies, senior citizens’ groups, and non-government organizations, lined-up various activities for a meaningful weeklong celebration. The kick-off event dubbed as “Walk for Life,” spearheaded by DSWD, Philhealth, and National Commission on Population (POPCOM), was held on October 1 at SM Mall of Asia Music Arena with the participation of  1,500 senior citizens from the 17 local government units in the National Capital Region (NCR), as well as representatives from the different government agencies.

 The weeklong activities also included Fun Run, Thanksgiving Mass and Senior’s Prom led by SM SuperMalls on October 2; Talakayan and Awarding of Centenarians on October 3; On-the-Spot Painting Contest on October 4; and Dalaw Kalinga led by the Coalition of Services for the Elderly (COSE) and DSWD-NCR on October 5 to 6.

In support to the EFW celebration, the Metro Rail Transit Authority (MRTA) and Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) also provided free MRT/LRT rides for senior citizens  during the weeklong event.

Meanwhile, in conjunction with the EFW was the National Respect for Centenarians Day (NRCD) on October 6 or the First Sunday of October. The NRCD 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 centenarian for his or her longevity; and a Centenarian gift in the amount of P100,000. Three centenarians were recognized on October 3 during the Talakayan and Awarding of Centenarians.

Promoting seniors rights, welfare

As part of its advocacy in promoting older persons’ rights and welfare, DSWD works closely with various senior citizens’ associations and NGOs, such as COSE and the Federation of Senior Citizens Associations in the Philippines (FSCAP) to advocate for legislative measures.

In the previous Congress, DSWD advocated for the passage of Republic Act No. 11350 creating the National Commission of Senior Citizens, since the Department believes that there should be a specialized body that is solely focused on addressing the numerous and varied concerns of the senior citizens’ sector.

The National Commission of Senior Citizens will be the primary government agency responsible for the formulation and implementation of policies, plans, and programs for senior citizens to protect and promote their rights. 

For this year, the Anti-Elder Abuse Bill  is one of the Department’s priority legislative measures. The Anti-Elder Abuse Bill, which was re-filed this 18th Congress, seeks to penalize abuses committed against senior citizens, and  develop strategies to prevent or reduce the abuses committed against them. 

Meanwhile, DSWD also supports the passage of the Universal Social Pension Bill which will provide seniors with a stipend of P1,500 monthly.

At present, indigent older persons aged 60 years and above are entitled to a monthly social pension of P500 through the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens program implemented by the Department.  It aims to improve the living conditions of beneficiaries by providing a monthly stipend amounting to P500 or P3,000 every semester to augment their daily subsistence and other medical needs.

Those who are qualified to avail of the program are elderly Filipinos who are at least 60 years old and meet the following criteria: Frail, sickly or with disability; Without pension from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Social Security System (SSS), Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), Armed Forces and Police Mutual Benefit Association Inc. (AFPMBAI), or from any other insurance company; without permanent source of income or compensation; and without financial assistance from family or relatives to support their basic needs.

The Department urges all sectors to work together in building a caring society where the rights of older persons are protected and respected. -30-