Palace calls on gov't agencies, LGUs to support Elderly Filipino Week celebration

Malacañang has directed national government agencies (NGAs) and local government units to support activities for the celebration of Linggo ng Katandaang Filipino (Elderly Filipino Week) from October 1 to 7.

In Memorandum Circular No. 34 signed on September 29 by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, the Palace also ordered the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) to spearhead activities and programs for the said week, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said on Tuesday.

“All NGAs and instrumentalities, including GOCCs (government-owned or -controlled corporations), GFIs (government financial institutions) and SUCs (state universities and colleges) are hereby directed, and all LGUs are hereby encouraged, to extend full support for and cooperation with the NCSC in the conduct of relevant activities and programs for senior citizens during the annual celebration of the Elderly Filipino Week," the memo read.

Funds for activities for Elderly Filipino Week will be from current and available appropriations of concerned agencies, subject to budgeting, accounting, and auditing laws, as well as rules and regulations, the Palace said.

The first week of October of every year has been declared as Linggo ng Katandaang Filipino (Elderly Filipino Week), according to Proclamation No. 470 signed in 1994 by then President Fidel V. Ramos.

Republic Act 11350 which created the NCSC "declared it a state policy to support measures advancing the health and well-being of Filipino senior citizens, provide services, programs and activities beneficial to them, and ensure a supportive and enabling environment for the elderly," the PCO said. —KG, GMA Integrated News