THE CHANCE of employing the elderly largely depends on matching their skills with the needs of private companies, a Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCCI) official said.
“We would like to help the senior citizens but still, that would depend on the competencies that are required by that specific organization,” DCCCI president Belinda Torres said.
However, the chamber supports a city councilor’s proposal of designing programs and providing jobs for senior citizens.
“Davao chamber has always believed in inclusivity and equal opportunity for all, most especially for the upliftment of the quality of life of the Davaoeños,” the DCCCI statement reads.
Second District Councilor Diosdado Angelo Mahipus requested the chamber’s support during the 20th City Council’s regular session on Oct. 10. The lawmaker stressed the need to create jobs for the sector since the city lacks specific employment programs targeting the elderly.
“No less than the city mayor has taken notice that our senior citizens in the city are strong and healthy. Even our retirees are not necessarily old and frail but on the contrary, they are still capable of contributing so much to our society,” Mahipus said.
The councilor is looking to create appropriate incentives for private employers supporting such programs.
It can be noted that First District Rep. Paolo Duterte initially proposed House Bill 2384 to find opportunities for senior citizens as employees in private entities, amending Republic Act 9990 or the Expanded Senior Citizen Act of 2010.
“Age requisite has become a barrier in the employment of Senior Citizens. Needless to say, 70% of Filipino Senior Citizens still prefer working because most of their pension and retirement savings are insufficient to sustain their family and needs,” the explanatory note of the bill reads.
Stipulated in the bill is the inclusion of healthcare for employed seniors through PhilHealth, which enrolls them as lifetime members.
The Department of Finance and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Labor and Employment, together with appropriate senior citizens organizations, shall be responsible agencies for drafting the implementing rules and regulations.
The bill was read last Aug. 2, 2022, but remains pending with the committee on senior citizens.
