TOUGH TERRAIN A boy takes a break from playtime in the flood to help an elderly man push his cart through an inundated area on Nueve de Febrero Street in Mandaluyong City.—LYN RILLON
MANILA, Philippines — A bill seeking a comprehensive and strengthened nutrition program for the elderly has been filed in the Senate.
Senator Francis Tolentino lodged Senate Bill No. 1799 on January 30 as he aims to strengthen the country’s existing nutritional framework.
“Good nutrition is very essential in all age groups, most especially in the elderly. It provides the energy and nutrients that would help prevent or manage certain lifestyle diseases. Unfortunately, our government has somehow been remiss in providing this comprehensive nutritional support to our elderly,” the bill’s explanatory note stated.
“At this point in time, nutrition plays a very crucial role and requires special attention as Filipinos reach old age,” it further read.
Under the measure, the Department of Health (DOH), in partnership with local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations, and people’s organizations for senior citizens, will institute a national health program and provide an integrated health service for the said age group.
Community-based health workers and health personnel will be trained to specialize in geriatric care and health concerns of the elderly.
The National Nutrition Council, in coordination with the DOH and LGUs, will be tasked to prepare a comprehensive nutrition and wellness program for the elderly.
The program will be accessible to every locality for the senior citizens’ awareness.
Further, local health personnel will hold regular visitation to each elderly constituent to ensure that they are able to have a healthy diet.
Tolentino noted that most of the financial aid and privileges that senior citizens receive are allotted for the purchase of maintenance medicines.
There are 9.2 million elderly in the Philippines, which is about 8.5 percent of the country’s total population.