October 10, 2024 | 12:00am
The Philippines kicked off October by celebrating Elderly Filipino Week, themed “Senior Citizens: Building the Nation, Inspiring Generations.”
According to the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), the event aims to recognize the significant role senior citizens have played in shaping the nation’s history and their continued influence on future generations. The weeklong celebration, held from Oct. 1 to 7, featured a range of activities such as cultural programs, trade fairs and competitions. Others provided special promotions, free medical services and discounts at various stores – all designed to honor and support the Filipino elderly.
While these gestures are certainly appreciated, they also underscore the pressing need to improve social services and programs for senior citizens. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s 2020 survey, the country is home to 9.22 million senior citizens.
A recent study called Longitudinal Study of Aging and Health in the Philippines (LSAHP), titled Aging and Health in the Philippines, Wave 2 (LSAHP Wave 2) also showed that the Philippines nears its transition to an aging society by 2030. Thus, it is crucial that the country strengthens its support systems for the elderly.
Fortunately, elderly Filipinos have a strong advocate for their cause in government through Senior Citizen party-list Rep. Rodolfo “Ompong” Ordanes.
In a recent statement to mark Elderly Filipino Week, Ordanes said: “It is only fitting that we recognize, celebrate and honor every senior citizen for being the pillars of our communities and society.”
Ordanes, 71, stands out among the lawmakers in our country as a committed advocate for the improved welfare of the Filipino elderly. As a senior citizen myself, I highly appreciate his tireless legislative efforts to improve the benefits and services available to the elderly in the Philippines, particularly those who are indigent.
A longtime fighter for the welfare of senior citizens, Ordanes is one of those who Filipinos should thank for the establishment of the NCSC, which provided the elderly with an official platform dedicated to addressing this vulnerable sector’s unique needs, concerns and challenges. The body also helps ensure that the voices of senior citizens are heard in national discussions on various social issues.
Ordanes has also been at the forefront of efforts to improve the welfare of financially challenged senior citizens, particularly through his successful push to increase the monthly pension for indigent elderly.
From the initial P500 stipend, Ordanes advocated to double the amount to P1,000 per month, benefiting over four million senior citizens who are not eligible to receive stipends from either the Government Service Insurance System or the Social Security System.
Beyond the monetary value, this increase reflects Ordanes’ deep understanding of the economic struggles many indigent senior citizens face. This is also a recognition that this sizable segment of the population can still contribute to national development and social progress if properly supported.
Taking his advocacy further, Ordanes also lobbied to expand pension coverage to all Filipinos aged 60 and up. This measure, which has gained approval from the House of Representatives, is poised to benefit over 10 million senior citizens once implemented. It underscores Ordanes’ commitment to ensuring equal support for all elderly Filipinos, regardless of their economic background.
Additionally, Ordanes played a key role in the passage of Republic Act 11982, which extends monetary incentives to octogenarians and nonagenarians, providing P10,000 cash rewards to senior citizens when they reach the ages of 80, 85, 90 and 95 – no longer limiting the incentives to those who reach 100.
To further protect the Filipino elderly, Ordanes is championing the Senior Citizens Protection Against Fraud Act, which aims to address the rising incidents of financial scams and exploitation that target and victimize older Filipinos. He is also advocating for expanded and increased discounts for senior citizens and persons with disabilities on essential goods and services.
These initiatives are commendable and set a benchmark for legislative efforts focused on improving the lives of Filipino senior citizens.
Many may not realize it, but improvements that Ordanes advocates do not only benefit the current crop of senior citizens but lay the foundation for better social programs and services for the Filipino elderly in the years to come.
These strides are significant, and there is room for further enhancement. According to data from 2015 Philippine Statistics Authority, a large portion of seniors are still active in the workforce. Around 42 percent or 3.17 million senior citizens are engaged in gainful employment. The government should seriously consider amending the tax scheme to exempt working individuals aged 60 and above from income tax. Seniors have already contributed significantly to society, so any income they earn at this stage of life should be exempt from income taxes.
This will likewise provide financial relief to millions of working seniors like me and help shift societal perceptions of the elderly – from being seen as a burden to being valued as guardians of wisdom, with contributions shaped by years of experience that continue to shape the nation.
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