Malacañang has issued Memorandum Circular (MC) 34 directing national government agencies and encouraging local government units (LGUs) to support activities and programs for senior citizens during the annual celebration of the Linggo ng Katandaang Filipino (Elderly Filipino Week).
Under MC 34 inked on Sep. 29 by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin by authority of the President, the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) is designated to spearhead the conduct of activities and programs during the annual celebration of the Elderly Filipino Week.
Under its mandate under Republic Act (RA) 11350 or the National Commission of Senior Citizen Act, the NCSC is directed to ensure the full implementation of laws, policies and programs of the government pertaining to senior citizens.
“The success of the annual celebration of the Elderly Filipino Week will require participation of all national government agencies (NGAs) and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs), government financial institutions (GFIs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), and local government units (LGUs),” the memorandum read.
“All NGAs and instrumentalities, including GOCCs. GFIs and SUCs are hereby directed, and all LGUs are hereby encouraged, to extend full support for and cooperation with the NCSC in the conduct of relevant activities and programs for senior citizens during the annual celebration of the Elderly Filipino Week,” it added.
The funding requirements for the implementation of MC 34 will be taken from the current and available appropriations of concerned agencies, subject to pertinent budgeting, accounting, and auditing laws, rules and regulations.
By virtue of Proclamation 470 issued in 1994, the first week of October of every year is declared as Linggo ng Katandaang Filipino (Elderly Filipino Week) to highlight the significant role of the elderly sector in nation-building and in promoting their rights and welfare.
Section 2 of RA 11350 declares it a policy of the State to adopt measures that will advance the health and well-being of senior citizens, provide services, programs and activities that are beneficial to them, and ensure a supportive and enabling environment for the elderly.
NCSC chairperson Franklin Quijano said the Philippine Plan of Action for the Senior Citizens and the guidelines for Philippine Age-Friendly Local Governments, Age-Friendly Cities, Municipalities and Communities would be launched, to develop a “homegrown, age-friendly approach” benefitting the senior citizens.
Over 2.8 million senior citizens have registered at the NCSC’s online registration system.
The NCSC is eyeing the registration of around nine million senior citizens by December this year. (PNA)
