By Anthony A. Araos
To lead a healthy and comfortable life and still contribute to nation-building- this is what elderly folks want to ultimately attain, as pointed out by former Ifugao governor Eugene Balitang.
“Officials should take full responsibility for ensuring that national laws passed for the welfare of the elderly sector are not kept unimplemented, but are implemented directly, quickly and efficiently into concrete programs and services with zero tolerance for misuse and misinterpretation,” Balitang said in an exclusive interview with the ZigZag Weekly.
“This commitment to full compliance is the foundation of trust. When the national government calls on local government units to act on this matter responsibly and predictably, it gives elderly folks the confidence to live decently in their communities,” he added.
In many different ways, Balitang breaks new ground. For a long time, it is the first time senior citizens are being enlightened on their rights. Apparently, a great deal of the energies of Balitang, also a lawyer, was taken up stressing vital provisions on laws geared to uplift the elderly well-being.
“Let me be very clear, I am one with you in calling for the full implementation of these laws, most especially on the availment of the 20 percent discounts to our aged folks,” he told the sizeable crowd during the elderly week program at Lagawe’s public plaza.
Balitang stands as an ode to the promising blend of history, innovation and change. He has a good track record in empowering the elderly sector and offer clean platforms for the health promotion of this sector.
Messages of the other speakers served a variety of purposes. What then should elderly residents here do in the face of high cost of living and mounting poverty?
A new wave of increase in prices of basic commodities happened. It is apparent that elderly folks are feeling the pinch. Most of them are poor and are obviously the hardest hit by inflation.
While policies can favor the rich over the poor, either political rhetoric or financial largesse in the form of meager cash prizes for parade contest can make the impossible possible. Start with some fundamentals. For one, pension for indigent seniors is a must, provide efficient allocation of resources for elderly offices so that logistics coordination and administrative operations are sustained. It’s time to put away with senior’s booklets. Give seniors a 20 percent discount at computer shops.
These observations uncover what drives this sector’s aspirations and how government can support such goals in 2028 and beyond.
Even as it’s getting harder to see the so-called silver lining in what those who walk in the corridors of power can do to resolve problems on this scale and severity.
Nonetheless, stakeholders continue to hope that concerned parties religiously comply with the provisions of Republic Act No. 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act. Including senior citizens associations presidents Benita Nabanalan, Abinuan; Dominga Banhan, Banga; Wila Tultog, Boliwong; William Gallangi, Burnay; Domingo Cabbigat, Caba; Florence Lunag, Cudog; Tony Tangid, Dulao; Angela Limumno, Jucbong; Gregorio Mheng Sr., Luta; Benito Buda, Montabiong; Marcelina Wagtang, Olilicon; Manuel Tuguinay Jr., Poblacion East; Fortunato Tayaban, Poblacion South; Felicidad Pawingi, Poblacion West; Norma Abuan, Poblacion North; Ernesto Pugong, Tungngod and Flora Ananayo, Tupaya. **
