Local government units (LGUs), specifically its municipal or city councils, should prioritize job creation programs and providing healthcare benefits for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs), said Senator Joel Villanueva.
Villanueva said Senate Bill No. 1278 which he filed, seeks to amend a provision of Republic Act No. 7160 that will emphasize the importance of taking care of senior citizens and PWDs in their respective communities.
“Improving the plight of and giving extra care to our senior citizens and PWDs are equally pressing,” said the chair of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment, and Human Resource Development, in a statement.
“It is the mandate of the local governments in advancing their welfare and rights.”
The veteran legislator stressed importance of local governments in advancing the welfare and rights of senior citizens and PWDs.
In his bill, the seasoned lawmaker proposed the amendment of Section 16 of RA 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, to have the respective LGUs exercise their powers to include in their programs the provision of free healthcare benefits and promotion of employment opportunities for their senior citizens and PWDs.
“The amendments also ensure their convenient and priority access to government services, welfare programs, utilities and facilities.”
The proposed amendments are geared towards the formulation of policies and implementation of welfare programs for senior citizens and PWDs, the senator explained.
“The amendments also ensure their convenient and priority access to government services, welfare programs, utilities and facilities,” he added.
In the same provision, Villanueva likewise sought to have all LGUs ensure that senior citizens and PWDs are granted convenient, easy and priority access to social and other services, utilities and government utilities.