20 Marso 2024, Miyerkules
supports Fire Prevention Month
deepest sympathy to family of the late Danilo Halili
supports Women Month March
joins Christian nations in observance of Lenten season
welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay
Employability of srs gets House nod
By Nidz Godino
“All government agencies and private entities shall institute employment program that shall promote general well-being of senior citizens and ensure access to employment opportunities to those who have qualifications, capacity and interest to be employed,” bill reads,efforts to ensure employment for senior citizens gained boost after House committee on ways and means approved bill providing for it.
Panel chaired by Rep. Joey Salceda passed unnumbered bill, consolidates related measures expanding employment opportunities for elderly.
Bill mandates state to employ seniors who have capacity and desire to work or be re-employed.
Seniors would be matched with available job opportunities by Department of Labor and Employment.
Congress took 32 years to harmonize benefits and employment opportunities given to people with disabilities (PWDs), Salceda noted.
Measure shall be known as “Employment Opportunities for Senior Citizen and Private Entities’ Incentives Act.”
Proposed legislation “goes beyond creating jobs,” ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo said.
“It fosters social inclusion, keeps seniors mentally and physically stimulated and contributes to their financial security,” Tulfo, one of bill’s principal authors, said in his sponsorship remark.
“Companies employing senior citizens can bring stability, loyalty and wealth of experience to the workplace,” he stressed.
Seniors often require less training and can serve as mentors to younger colleagues, he noted.
Meanwhile, energy utility provider’s efforts in easing application of discounts on electric bills of seniors and PWDs have been lauded by Salceda.
Application process is more accessible online through special website of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), he noted.
“I requested Meralco to make this available, in consonance with efforts of committee on ways and means to improve privileges of vulnerable sectors,” he said.
Salceda requested Meralco to remove some documentary requirements such as barangay clearance.
“I hope all corporations are as proactive in complying with their obligations to PWDs and senior citizens… site is still in test mode, so we can still make comments,” he added.
Salceda authored House Bill 9793, extended Meralco’s franchise by another 25 years.
ISKUP! 