The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Iloilo City is reminding all local government units (LGUs) in Western Visayas to form their respective Office of Senior Citizen’s Affairs (OSCA).
DSWD regional director Minda Brigoli reminded the LGUs of their responsibility to make sure their senior citizen’s community is well taken care of in terms of social services and health possible only through the OSCA.
Director Brigoli reminded the LGUs, the OSCA is entitled for a share from the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) of the LGUs. This amount should be used to form the OSCA as well as their needs and services.
"Likewise, the LGU’s should also monitor if establishments in their towns and area are strictly implementing the Expan-ded Senior Citizen’s Act of 2010 or RA 9994. The expanded act allows senior citizens to avail discounts and tax exemptions on selected items," Brigoli added.
The DSWD is currently coordinating with the DILG to monitor LGUs who have an OSCA and make sure that the local Executive is providing the necessary support.
There are some 340,000 senior citizens in Western Visayas. The most is in the provinces of Iloilo with 92,973 elderly, Negros Occidental with 79,320, Capiz with 36,642, Aklan with 18,099, Antique with 16,756 and Guimaras with just 9,920.
Among the cities, Iloilo City has some 54,122 senior citizens while Bacolod City has 34,385. (PNA) /MP
No comments:
Post a Comment