Valenzuela seniors back to school…as traffic aides

Lolo Crisostomo Guda, 71, in action. CAMILLE ANNE M. ARCILLA

MANILA, Philippines–At 71, a man like Crisostomo Guda would normally be whiling away the hours at home, enjoying his retirement.

But instead, he and 123 other senior citizens in Valenzuela City were tapped by the local government for a task usually reserved for people much younger.

After undergoing a three-day training, the seniors were enlisted to form “Bantay Estudyante,” under a project by the City External Services Office (Ceso) that seeks to provide employment for old residents by posting them as traffic aides near public elementary and high schools in the city.

“One of the objectives of our mayor (Rex Gatchalian) is to maximize the productivity of our elders instead of keeping them at home with nothing to do. Since most of them are grandparents, they already know how to look after children,” said Jay Valenzuela, officer in charge of the Ceso public safety group.

The seniors are required to man their posts only during the opening and closing hours of class each day. The project was launched on June 30.

“They also help us monitor illegal vendors near the schools, who are reported to our Sidewalk Clearing Operations group,” Valenzuela said.

This way, they can also monitor if the food items being sold by vendors at the school gates or near campuses are clean and safe, he added.

Bantay Estudyante members underwent medical and physical exams to check if they were fit for the job despite their age. They were also trained in traffic management and first aid.

The oldest male member is 71 while the oldest female is 70. Most of them are former barangay (village) officials and staff members, but they include retirees from different jobs. The project grants them a monthly allowance of P3,000, plus free medicines and services at city-run hospitals.

Guda, a retired purok (neighborhood) leader in his barangay, was assigned to Marulas Central Elementary School, which is near his house.

“I am already here as early as 5:30 a.m.,” he said. “At least I can keep an eye on my neighbors’ children—and, of course, my own grandchildren.”