The city celebrates October as Filipino Elderly Month with the theme, “Health and productive aging starts with me.”
Celebratory activities include the Senior Citizen Official for a Day (Scofad) last Monday Oct. 4, where designated elders took over executive and legislative positions in the city government.
Trainings on technical writing, project preparation, and minutes and resolution writing will be conducted on Oct. 17 to 18, and elderly self-enhancement for the whole month of October.
On Oct. 25, a whole-day Pistasa Nayon will showcase senior citizens’ talents in acting, singing and dancing, with the selection of the senior citizen Lakan and Lakambini.
The celebration is anchored on Presidential Proclamation issued by then President Fidel V. Ramos declaring the first week of October as Filipino Elderly Week. This is to increase public awareness of issues and appreciation of senior citizens’ contribution to national building, the proclamation stated.
Laws passed in support of and in recognition of the elderly sector include Republic Act 7432 granting benefits to senior citizens, and the amendment RA 9257 which granted additional benefits; 20 percent discounts for fare, food, medicines, recreation and other services.
RA 9994 issued in 2010 is the expanded senior citizen benefits, for five percent discount on utilities.
Local issuances, among others, are Resolution 52, s. 2003 which designated October as Elderly Month; Ordinance 57, s. 2009 allows senior citizens to take part in governance through the Scofad.
An ordinance issued in 2012 institutionalized the barangay Scofad; while guidelines in the selection and designation of senior citizens including the screening process are embodied in Ordinance 30, s. 2013.– Julie G. Fianza
