JOBS for senior citizens and the differently-abled persons may soon be available, as Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda filed a measure that calls on establishments to employ senior citizens and persons with disability (PWDs).

The ordinance aims to employ senior citizens and PWDs for work commensurate to their physical capabilities in various fast food chains and establishments in the city.

Tabanda said Baguio City recognizes the important role of the private sector in its initiatives to allow its marginalized sector to raise their standard of living through employment.

"It seeks partnership to its effort to distribute the opportunities and privileges to the qualified and able-bodied members of the subject sectors, the fast food chains and other business establishments around the city would well be the establishments that can accommodate the senior citizens and the PWDs considering the per hour rate and their accessibility," Tabanda said.

The ordinance is anchored on Republic Act 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, which grants additional benefits and privileges to senior citizens, which include among others employment opportunities, as well as on Republic Act 7277, otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, that provides equal, suitable employment opportunities to disabled persons.

"Both the objectives of the above-cited statutes recognize the role of the private sector in the promotion of the improvement of the welfare of both the senior citizens and the PWDs, and actively seeks their partnership," Tabanda added.

The measure was approved in first reading during Monday's (September 16) regular session.