鈥擣ile photo by Ni帽o Jesus Orbeta | Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines 鈥� President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday reminded the public to treat senior citizens with respect.
He also urged everyone to cherish the time spent with them and to embrace the wisdom of older generations to build a brighter future.
Marcos made the pronouncement during the ceremonial payout of cash gifts for qualified beneficiaries of the Expanded Centenarian Act in Malaca帽ang.
During his speech, Marcos noted that 73 percent of senior citizens rely on the support of their children, while 55 percent pay their healthcare expenses out of their own pockets, and many lack long-term care.
Due to this situation, Marcos urged that elders, under his administration, should be treated with dignity, care, and respect.
鈥淭o the families of our elders, celebrate every moment you have with them,鈥� Marcos said in Filipino.
鈥淪how concern because there will come a time when you too will seek respect and care from your children or grandchildren,鈥� he noted.
鈥淔or our youth, you will be the ones who will nurture the continuation of the knowledge taught by those who came before us. Use it to build a brighter future,鈥� he added.
Marcos expressed hope that senior citizens would be given the chance to spend more time with their loved ones and experience more memorable moments with them.
14 senior citizens were present in the ceremony, three of whom were already 100 years old.
Under Republic Act (RA) 11982, a P10,000 grant is given to seniors upon reaching 80, 85, 90, and 95 years old, while centenarians receive a gift of P100,000.
READ: Expanded Centenarian Act to benefit thousands of elderly OFWs
Nationwide, a total of 1,079 beneficiaries will receive the grants鈥攔eaching a total of P12 million to be distributed the same day.
During the event, the president聽 also mentioned that apart from the cash grants seniors are entitled to various discounts.
These discounts include 5 percent off water and electricity bills and 20 percent off on transportation, medicine, health care, and leisure activities.
He also told the seniors that the government offers free healthcare services at public facilities, monthly pensions for indigent seniors, and care facilities for abandoned or neglected seniors.
鈥淢ay these programs and government services allow them to spend more time with their loved ones,鈥� Marcos said.