Senior citizens get free LRT, MRT rides today

MANILA, Philippines - Senior citizens can avail themselves of free rides at the light rail lines in Metro Manila today, Oct. 4, as the country celebrates the Elderly Filipino Week from Oct. 1 to 7.

In a tweet on social media, Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman said elderly Filipinos have only to present their senior citizens’ identification card to station security to avail of the free rides.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is spearheading the elderly celebrations with this year’s theme “Ang Nakatatanda ay Yaman, Katuwang sa Pag-unlad ng Bayan, Pangalagaan Kanilang Kapakanan.”

Presidential Proclamation No. 470 mandates the annual celebration of Elderly Filipino Week or Linggo ng Nakatatandang Filipino every first week of October to stress the important role that older persons play in nation building as well as address issues concerning the older persons’ sector.

Last Wednesday, a “Walk for Life” was held at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. Other activities include a “Dalaw Kalinga” today, October 4; visit to “Visitorless, Indigent, Sick, Old Prisoners” at National Bilibid Prison and Correctional Institute for Women on Oct. 5; a “Forum on Social Protection for Senior Citizens” on Oct. 7; Forum on Social Pension on Oct. 8; Forum on Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction on Oct. 11; and Painting Exhibit at SM Megatrade, Mandaluyong City on Oct. 1-7.

More than 2,000 participants from various senior citizens’ organizations, other government agencies, and NGOs joined the Walk for Life at the Mall of Asia.

It is held annually by the Department of Health to enhance awareness of the public on the health concerns and wellbeing of the elderly.

The elderly sector comprises 6.8 percent of the Philippine population and is an integral part of society. The state has a responsibility to protect its members, the DSWD said.

Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 provides more benefits and privileges to the elderly.

They are entitled to 20 percent discount on the purchase of certain goods and services, special five percent discount on prime commodities and basic necessities, and five percent utility discount on electric and water consumption. 

Likewise, eligible indigent senior citizens are entitled to a social pension amounting to P500 monthly. The government’s social pension program for indigent senior citizens is being implemented by the DSWD. – With Reinir Padua