Retirement from active employment is not an end to active contribution to the economy and society.
This is apparently what an unnumbered bill in the Lower House intends to tell Congress as it calls for the government to open employment opportunities for senior citizens.
“These seniors may have been retired from the service but many are still physically capable of working,” Rep. Jude Acidre of Tingog Partylist said, expressing strong support to the unnumbered bill.
Rep. Fidel Nograles shares Acidre’s sentiments, saying “The Employment Opportunities for Senior Citizens and Private Entities Incentive Act is (for) a noble purpose that would help ensure inclusion of the elderly (in our labor force).
Led by albay Representative Joey Salceda, the panel is currently consolidating related pieces of legislation that focus on expanding employment opportunities for seniors, mandating the state to employ them, those who are able and willing to work
Seniors, PWDs get better discounts.
From P65.00 per week, seniors and PWDs now get up to P125.00 cap on discounts in their purchases in their favorite supermarkets.
To the seniors, living on their retirement pensions, this increase of P60 in allowed discount in their grocery purchases is like “manna from heaven”.
Thanks to the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Agriculture and Department of Energy, the three government agencies that jointly signed an administrative order yesterday, March 21, to this benefit to the seniors and persons with disabilities (PWD).
According to the order, the special discount on purchases for basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPC) is increased to P125.00 from P60.00 per week
“We recognize the valuable contribution of our senior citizens and persons with disabilities to our society, and this initiative reiterates our unwavering commitment to ensure their access to essential commodities,” TradeSecretary Alfredo Pascual said.
Current economic conditions require the government to be sensitive to the most vulnerable sector of society, prompting some lawmakers to call on the agencies to lead in helping special sectors of society.
This new order is separate from the 20% statutory discount mandated by RA 9994, known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 and RA 10754 which expands the benefits and privileges of PWDs.
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #JobsforSeniorCitizens #DiscountsforPWDandSeniors