The 12th City Council of Manila passed two resolutions Thursday, 14 September 2023, accrediting two senior citizen organizations based in Manila, bringing to 90 the total number of people’s and nongovernmental organizations accredited by Council since its term started in June 2022.
The resolutions formally recognize the Samahan ng mga Senior Citizens ng Barangay 702 and the Barangay 812 Senior Citizens’ Association as legitimate people’s organizations, in line with Section 34 of the Local Government Code, which mandates the promotion by local government units of the “establishment and operation of people’s and nongovernmental organizations, to become active partners in the pursuit of local autonomy”.
.Persons aged 60 and above are considered senior citizens in the Philippines. They enjoy various benefits and privileges, including value-added tax exemptions and huge discounts on the purchase of medicines and medical supplies, as well as on certain services.
“The City Government of Manila encourages its seniors to organize themselves and become active partners of the city in implementing programs that promote the well-being of the elderly”, said 5th District Councilor Ricardo “Boy” A. Isip Jr., author of the resolution and chairman of the Council’s Committee on Cooperatives, Non-Government Organizations, and People’s Organizations.
