TACLOBAN CITY – The city government of Tacloban through its Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) and in coordination with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and senior citizens organizations join the nation in celebrating the “Elderly Filipino Week.”
The weeklong event aims to raise awareness on R.A. 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 commenced this week in Tacloban.
This year’s celebration with the theme “Kilalanin at Parangalan: Tagasulong ng karapatan ng nakakatanda tungo sa lipunang mapagkalinga” was highlighted with the “Elderly Day” held at Robinsons Place Marasbaras on Thursday (Oct.4).
During the day-long event, senior citizens enjoyed free services courtesy of the city government like free bone screening, montreal cognitive assessment service, free haircut and massage services, manicure and pedicure.
Lectures on elder abuse and nutrition were also held during the event.
A dialogue/consultation with local establishments, transport groups, and government agencies was also scheduled to discuss concerns and issues pertaining to the benefits and privileges of senior citizens as mandated under R.A. 9994
The search for King Lolo and Queen Lola- 2018 is also slated this Saturday (Oct.6) at the Tacloban City Convention Center (Astrodome).
Mayor Cristina G. Romualdez considers the welfare of elderly city residents a priority of her administration; among the services of the city government available for senior citizens are the provision of financial assistance, medical assistance, and burial assistance.
Meanwhile, from 864 beneficiaries in 2015, the number of social pensioners in Tacloban has now increased to 5,373 for 2018.
This can be attributed to the extensive campaign of the City Social Welfare Office to enroll indigent senior citizens to the government pension program.
Proclamation No. 470 issued by then President Fidel V. Ramos in 1994 started the yearly celebration of the Elderly Filipino Week, with the aim of raising awareness on R.A. 9994 and to address issues concerning the older persons’ sector. (HENRY JAMES G. ROCA/CIO)
