NCSC to celebrate elderly week Oct. 1-7

Manila: The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) is set to celebrate the Elderly Filipino Week from Oct. 1 to 7. The NCSC signed on Tuesday a memorandum of understanding with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) for the promotion of the celebration to engage the young generation in paying respect to the elderly. "We want to encourage the youth today via the programs we're doing that, 'I want to reach this age', to have them wish not only for 20 percent discount plus 12 percent VAT for the medicines but because of many benefits, and the greatest benefit of being an older person is to be a source of wisdom," NCSC officer in charge Mary Jean Loreche told reporters on the sidelines of the MOU signing. Despite the changing times, Loreche said respect for the elderly remains part of Filipino culture and values. However, migration has left many Filipino families challenged because of economic problems. Loreche said the youth leave to work abroad and their elderly, especially those who are sick, are left at home and uncared for. "Sa aming mga programs ngayon (In our programs now), we want to rebuild strengthening the families and the homes," she said. To ensure their health and safety, the NCSC is pushing for a home care support program with the help of the government and the private sector. The Commission is also looking into the development of modules for livelihood training with the Department of Tourism for senior citizens who are healthy. "If we can develop programs where tourism-related livelihood programs can be cascaded to the seniors who are able, capable and willing, willing to be taught skills with our partnership with TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority), then they can actually be deployed," she said. (With Kevin Ortiz, OJT/PNA) Source: Philippines News agency