THE LACK of recreational sites and learning spaces for senior citizens should be given priority by the national government to empower the aging population of the country, a government official said.
Dr. Ida Yap-Patron, National Commissioner IV of the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), said facilities that are responsive to the needs of senior citizens are in the pipeline.
“Our infrastructures are not enough. But we have plans to redirect our programs to building good facilities and structures for older persons that are not only focused on taking care of those who are sick and abandoned but also to provide them a comfortable life,” she said.
“I envision a township for senior citizens with parks, malls, wellness centers, and other facilities,” she added.
She also emphasized the need for learning spaces for retired senior citizens to empower them to contribute to nation-building and development.
“Our senior citizens have to be equipped. We have to gather data about those senior citizens who have retired. We have retired farmers, plumbers, electricians, teachers, lawyers, and doctors, among others, who are not practicing their profession. We will gather them based on their expertise. We will have a pool of experts in the commission,” she said.
To help senior citizens with their daily needs, the NCSC has implemented core programs that are mandated by the Department of Welfare and Social Development (DSWD).
“The DSWD has four important programs which are transferred to us. One of these programs is social pension for senior citizens where the recipients receive P500 per month. Other programs include assistance to older persons with disability, residential care facilities, and centenarian gifts given to old persons who have reached 100 years old,” she said.
On Tuesday, November 29, NCSC partnered with government agencies to give free medical consultation, health risk screening, some laboratory and diagnostic tests, and free medicines from PhilHealth during its Alaga for Senior Citizens program at SM City Davao Annex Atrium.
Recipients may avail health benefit packages in various accredited Konsulta providers located in different parts of Davao City. These include Southern Philippines Medical Center, Davao Doctors Hospital, Ecoland Medical and Wellness Center Inc., Lanang Premiere Doctors Hospital Inc., and other barangay health centers.