Davao City (DSWD XI) -The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) XI with the Department of Health (DOH) SM Cares, PhilHealth, and the City Government of Davao led the celebration of the Elderly Filipino Week 2016.
From October 1-7, the celebration this year bears the theme Pagmamahal at Respeto ng Nakababata, Nagpapaligaya sa Nakatatanda.
“Over the weekend, the annual observance kicked off with a Simultaneous Walk and Zumba spearheaded by DOH followed by the different presentations of senior citizen like cultural dance, vocal solo and modern dance,” said Angelic P. Blasquez, focal on older persons of DSWD.
DOH provided health services like blood pressure taking, random blood screening, medical consultation, mini mental state exam, rehabilitation consultation, bone density scan with interpretation and osteoporosis screening, hypertension screening, and provision of supplements, Blasquez said.
Also, PhilHealth conducted membership registration and updating and accepted as well member data amendment requests, she said.
“For DSWD, we will pay social pension and provide older persons free massage, pedicure, manicure and haircut at the Regional Office, and for the culmination activity on October 10, senior citizens will showcase their talents and we will recognize DSWD employees who are gracefully ageing,” Blasquez added.
Centenarians
The first Sunday of October is also declared as National Respect for Centenarians Day. To date, DSWD has listed 81 names of centenarians in Region XI.
On September 26, President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 10868 or the Centenarians’ Act of 2016.
The law 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 of the Philippines congratulating the centenarian for his or her longevity; and a Centenarian Gift in the amount of one hundred thousand pesos (Php100,000.00).
Moreover, DSWD continues to implement the Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens, entitling them a Php 500 monthly stipend to augment their daily needs. The qualifying age was lowered this year to 65 years old. For 2016, DSWD XI has registered 82,531 indigent elders.
Meanwhile, the government ensures strict implementation of Republic Act (RA) 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, which provides more benefits and privileges to older persons like 20% discount on the purchase of certain goods and services, special 5% discount on prime commodities and basic necessities, and 5% utility discount on electric and water consumption. (DSWD)