The DSWD in coordination with various local government units (LGUs) of Region Eight are jointly coordinating with each other to advocate on the benefits of Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.

Though the law has been in effect since February 15 of 2010, the DSWD is spearheading the information drive to ensure the full implementation of the law, such that senior citizens can enjoy their twilight years with lesser financial and economic burdens, DSWD Field Office Eight Director Remia Tapispisan emphasized.

The DSWD Field Office Eight Director further underscored the needed support of private business entities on the sale of selected grocery items, medicines, other essential medical supplies, accessories and equipment,

and other essential medical supplies, in actual fare for land transportation travel whether in public utility buses, public utility jeepneys, taxis, shuttle services and public railways, as well as domestic air transport services and sea shipping vessels and the like.

Also included in the 20 percent discount privilege are the utilization of hotels, restaurants, theaters, and other recreational centers. Director Tapispisan said the cooperation of business establishments is vital, and should there be any violation, the senior citizen can report to the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs established in every municipality and city.

The DSWD recently conducted consultation – dialogues on the said law with the LGUs of Tacloban City, Hilongos in Leyte, Borongan in Eastern Samar, to mark the observance of Elderly Filipino Week. On October 15 of this year, there will also be a schedule of same activity in Gandara, Samar.

Meanwhile, DSWD Assistant Regional Director for Administration, Virginia Idano, represented Regional Director Tapispisan in Tacloban City’s opening program of the Senior Citizens Week which culminated on October 7. In her speech, Idano gave the importance of this year’s observance which is “ Nakatatanda: Sa Bisa ng RA 9994, May Dangal, Nagkakaisa, Buhay ay Gumiginhawa.”

She stated that the celebration focuses on the contributions of Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 to the improvement of lives of older persons.