ADA @ "Walk for Life"

 Last October 1, 2012, Senior citizens from different walks of life gathered together and celebrated the Elderly Filipino Week at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. With the theme: Nakatatanda: Sa Bisa ng RA 9994, May Dangal, Nagkakaisa at Buhay ay Gumiginhawa”, the activity aims to send a message that through the recently passed expanded senior citizen law, older people live with dignity, unity and life with ease. There are around 1,500 senior citizens merged from different areas of Metro Manila participated for this annual event and all of the senior citizens did exercise to promote healthy lifestyle amongst older people. Other part of the program highlighted the timeless talents of older people through showcase of performances ranging from singing, dancing and acting. It was indeed a day of celebrating the value of older people in our society.

During this day, COSE together with around 300-400 older people from different Older People Organizations (OPOs) organized by COPAP joined this activity to celebrate and call for the government for further support for the older people, who during their physical prime, have contributed to the nation building. In lieu with this year’s theme, with the support of Age Demands Action (ADA), they walked together to specifically ask for the government to enhance RA 9994 by:

1. Increasing the budget of social pension for indigent older person
2. Lowering the age of beneficiaries of social pension to 60 years old
3. Conducting a review on implementation of the law 

Through these improvements, a better and dignified life can be attained for older people, especially the poorest of the poor.