DSWD spearheads celebration of Elderly Filipino Week

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is spearheading the ongoing celebration of the Elderly Filipino Week (Oct. 1 to 7), bringing issues affecting older persons or senior citizens on the spotlight.

“Older persons can still actively contribute to society and to their respective communities. Age is not a hindrance to leading productive lives and in making a difference in society,” DSWD officer-in-charge Secretary Emmanuel Leyco said.

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.

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 congratulating the celebrant for his or her longevity; and a centenarian gift of P100,000.

The kick-off activity, Walk for Life, ushered in the weeklong celebration yesterday with 11,000 participants.

Spearheaded by the Department of Health (DOH) and Philippine Health Insurance (Philhealth), it was conducted simultaneously nationwide in all SM branches, followed by a program and free medical services for senior citizens.

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

Apart from the Walk for Life, the national steering committee on EFW has linedup a series of activities during the week-long celebration such as a Talakayan on Oct. 4, the Sampung Ulirang Nakatatanda (SUN) awarding ceremony led by the Coalition of Services for the Elderly (COSE) on Oct. 8, Kwento ni Lolo, Kwento ni Lola storytelling session, Konsyerto ni Lolo at Lola, Dalaw Kalinga and Ms. FSCAP (Federation of Senior Citizens Associations in the Philippines) coronation.

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

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. 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.