THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) vowed to strengthen the laws and programs that protect the social rights of the senior citizens while appealing to local government units (LGUs) to prioritize the elderly in their various services.
In light with the celebration of the Elderly Filipino Week on October 1-7, which is also declared as National Respect for Centenarians Day, all Filipinos who have turned centenarian this year will be awarded a plaque of recognition and a monetary incentive by their respective City or Municipal Governments.
In addition, they will also receive letters of felicitation and centenarian gifts in appreciation of their longevity.
On Monday, September 26, DSWD led the ceremonial signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 10868 or the Centenarians Act of 2016.
“The passage of this act is a tribute to Filipino centenarians who have spent their lifetime in contributing to nation building,” Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo said in a press statement.
Under this law, all Filipinos, who have reached 100 years old and above, whether residing in the Philippines or abroad shall be honored and will be given a centenarian gift amounting one hundred thousand pesos P100,000.
Aside from DSWD, other agencies involved in the implementation of the law’s provisions were Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Health, and Commission on Filipinos Overseas.
“Older persons deserve our respect and true concern,” Taguiwalo stressed.
The DSWD chief added although the law has been approved, it still required more efforts to safeguard the welfare of the senior citizens, who were considered as one of the vulnerable sector of the society.
Taguiwalo, who is known as a staunch supporter to increase Social Security System retirement benefits, appealed to LGUs in the country to ensure that the welfare desks and departments will prioritize the needs of senior citizens and give the necessary benefits appropriate for them.
“One of the signs of a compassionate and humane society is its responsiveness to the needs of its elderly members. There is so much to be done to protect our senior citizens and we do them a great disservice when we do not follow and implement laws and programs that have been crafted and passed precisely to help them,” Taguiwalo said.
Mercedes Baluyot, who recently turned 80 years old, lauded this news.
“This would be a great help for us who are members of the senior citizens,” Baluyot said, adding this motivated her to practice a healthy lifestyle.
Baluyot extended her appreciation for the efforts of the government to empower the elderly through the different programs and services they are giving to the underprivileged individuals.