A NEW livelihood initiative aimed at reintegrating able and willing senior citizens into the workforce is set to launch, with initial employment opportunities available at the Cebu Provincial Capitol and the governor’s extension office in Balamban.
National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) 7 Director Jocelyn Tabo-tabo said the program is part of a nationwide push by the NCSC to provide meaningful work for healthy and capable older persons, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to empower the elderly.
“During our courtesy visit, Gov. Pamela Baricuatro promised that when she opens her extension office in Balamban, a percentage of the employees there will be senior citizens. Even at the Capitol, senior citizens have already started applying,” said Tabo-tabo.
The extension office in Balamban is set to be constructed soon.
The initiative is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the NCSC in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda). The goal is to provide training in areas such as tour guiding, housekeeping, and other light services.
NCSC chairperson Mary Jean Loreche said they are working closely with the tourism sector to roll out training programs soon.
“They can be assigned to heritage sites, so it’s very light work. For tour guiding, we are still in the selection process,” said Loreche.
Loreche said they are waiting to have a meeting with hotels and resorts, as the goal is to employ senior citizens in housekeeping, reception, bed-making and similar tasks.
She also said a new program is being developed to offer photography as a livelihood opportunity, as many seniors are skilled in photography.
She added that the NCSC is now finalizing medical guidelines to ensure that participants are physically fit for their assigned tasks.
Loreche stressed that livelihood programs not only promote economic independence, but also support mental well-being, continuous learning and a renewed sense of purpose among older persons.
She added that some senior citizens, such as retired teachers, may be employed on a flexible schedule, like working three hours per day to match their capacity and lifestyle.
There are approximately 800,000 registered senior citizens in Central Visayas, including 400,000 in Cebu Province.
Loreche said implementation of the program is expected to begin within the year. / CAV