TACLOBAN CITY – The City Government of Tacloban through its Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) and in coordination with the Tacloban City Federation of Senior Citizens Associations, Inc. (TACFESCA) joins the nation in celebrating the “Elderly Filipino Week.” The weeklong event which started with a Walk for Life activity last Sunday participated by elderly residents will be held until October 7, and will highlight a dialogue/consultation on R.A. 9994 or the expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.

This year’s celebration with the theme “Pagkilala Sa Kakayahan, Ambag At Paglahok Ng Nakakatanda Sa Lipunan” will include a Medical Mission and the Search for King Lolo and Queen Lola- 2017.

On October 5, a dialogue/consultation with local establishments, transport groups and government agencies is slated to be held at the City DILG Conference Room, to discuss concerns and issues pertaining to the benefits and privileges of Senior Citizens as mandated under R.A. 9994

Mayor Cristina G. Romualdez considers the welfare of elderly city residents a priority of her administration; among the services of the City Government available for  Senior Citizens are the provision of financial assistance, medical assistance and burial assistance.

Meanwhile, from 1,950 beneficiaries in 2016 the number of social pensioners in Tacloban has increased to 4,810 for 2017, this can be attributed to the extensive campaign of the City Social Welfare Office to enroll indigent Senior Citizens to the government pension program.

Proclamation No. 470 issued  by then President Fidel V. Ramos in 1994 started the yearly celebration of the Elderly Filipino Week, with the aim of  raising awareness on R.A. 9994 and to address issues concerning the older persons’ sector.  Henry James G. Roca/CIO