The Analysis of RA 9994 (Expanded Senior Citizens Act): An Experience of The San Vicente Senior Citizens Organization

Abstract

A significant number of senior citizens comprising 7.4% or 7,534,306, live in poverty in the Philippines. This Act, with all its built-in care, protection, and a number of social, health, and economic benefits entitling the senior citizen, is considered noble and compassionate. The respondents are all members of the San Vicente Senior Citizens Organization, whose ages range from 60 years old and above. Interviews, both structured and informal, were employed to get into the existent sentiment of the senior citizens through the use of methods such as participant observation and face-to-face interviewing. For a total of 279 respondents, the civil status of the respondents consisted of the married, widower, widow, and single. There were self-employed, pension, and family support as the factors. The financial support from relatives is based on the criteria such as sufficient, good enough, scarcely, little, and none. To most seniors, tricycles, jeeps(PUJ), and buses are common means of transportation. None of the respondents traveled by airplane, boat, or commuter train. Further study of the R.A. 9994, especially on policy and information aspects. Provision on the slot allocation for the recipient/beneficiaries of the Social Stipend/Pension Program, pay out of monthly pension/stipend, provision on beneficiaries under SOCPEN and UCT.