ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct 7 (PIA) – Zamboanga Peninsula joins the celebration of Filipino Elderly Week to recognize the contributions and importance of senior citizens in the community.
Department of Social Welfare and Development 9 (DSWD-9) pushes for the protection of the rights of the senior citizens especially this time of pandemic where they are one of the most vulnerable sector.
“Malaki yung tulong nila sa ating lipunan dahil sa kanilang karanasan at kaalaman sa buhay, nagsisilbi rin silang gabay ng isang pamilya,” Ivan Salvador, DSWD 9 Information Officer said.
[They have big contributions in the society because of their experiences and knowledge in life, they also serve as guidance in the family.]
The senior citizens also faced challenges during the pandemic due to their limited mobility and capacity. However, the government also prioritizes the support to the elderly through different programs and services.
DSWD continuously provides cash assistance through social pension given to indigent senior citizens, medical assistance and cash incentive of Php100,000 through the centenarian program for the senior citizens. They also provide home for the elders who were left behind by their families at the home for the elderly center that currently have 44 senior citizens clients.
Health is one of the priorities of the government for the senior citizens, which they also continue to provide better health care system. PhilHealth 9 emphasizes the importance of providing health care for the senior citizens and encourages everyone to become a member for them to enjoy the benefits.
“Because they are vulnerable, we enjoin them to register as member and be part of the PhilHealth programs,” Michael Jones Lahi, PhilHealth 9 head of public affairs said.
Aside from the mandatory 20% discount, public hospitals also implement the ‘No Balance Billing’ for the senior citizens.
During the celebration of 2022 Elderly Filipino Week, ZamPen simultaneously celebrated the culmination activity with a vaccination program for seniors, encouraging them get booster doses.
For this celebration, DSWD 9 appeals to everyone, to continue showing the love and care to the elder as they need it the most during this time. (RVC/MLE/PIA9-Zamboanga City)
