QUEZON CITY, Oct. 12 (PIA)--Vice President Leni Robredo praised the Quezon City government for looking after the welfare of its senior citizens.
The Vice President was the keynote speaker in a forum held in celebration of the 2016 Elderly Filipino Week with the theme “Pagmamahal at Respeto ng Nakakabata, Nagpapaligaya sa Nakatatanda”, held at the Bulkawagang Amoranto, Quezon City Hall.
QC has allocated 1% of its total budget for the duly approved programs, projects and activities that shall meet the basic needs of the city’s senior citizens.
At the forum, the Vice President shared that she was fascinated by the dynamism of the elderly that reminds her of her own 80-year mother who has a more active social life in Naga City as a teacher at graduate school.
VP Robredo also took the opportunity to discuss the various programs and initiatives being undertaken by the National Government for the elderly. She said that the present administration has a wholistic approach in looking at the issues of the elderly.
“Currently, the Department of Social Welfare and Developement (DSWD) is ensuring that proper services is provided to the elderly, one of which is the P500/month subsidy for indigent elderly and the development of Centers for Senior Citizens,” Robredo said.
VP Robredo also mentioned that there is a pending bill in Congress which aimed to penalize abuses against indigent elderly. She hopes that the Legislative Branch would prioritize this legislation to address the vulnerability of the elderly, along with the proposed additional SSS benefits for retirees.
VP Leni Robredo emphasized that consultation with the elderly is very important since it facilitates participation as a means for empowerment. Through participation, the elderly become part of nation building as stakeholders and partners in development.(QC PAISO/RJB/SDL/PIA-NCR)
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