The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) organized a Technical Learning Session (TLS) on “Senior Citizen: Life After Retirement,” which focused on Republic Act 7432, as amended by 9257, otherwise known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003. The activity was held on November 21 at the iLearn conference room in Intramuros, Manila.

ILS Deputy Executive Director Mary Grace L. Riguer, in her welcome remarks, acknowledged the country’s needs for a program that addresses the needs of older people, specially where health is concerned, which takes up a considerable share in the former’s expenses, and for the said program to also take into consideration the productivity and value of older people in the society.

Ms. Marilla S. Modejar, Administrative Officer IV of the DOLE-Human Resource Development Service discussed the “Rights, Welfare and Entitlements of Senior Citizens in Government Service,” while Ms. Kate P. Pagsolingan of the Coalition of Services of the Elderly, Inc. talked about the “Economic Rights and Other Rights of Senior Citizens.”

Ms. Carolina Davila Julve, President of DOLE Employees Cooperative, Mr. Crispulo Migriño of the Coalition of Services of the Elderly, Inc., and Ms. Eleonor T. Gillies of the Coalition of Older People Association of the Philippines, led the sharing of experiences which focused on the Opportunities and Challenges faced by senior citizens after retirement.

The activity was organized by the Institute’s Workers Welfare Research Division (WWRD) and attended by other DOLE offices and attached agencies.

The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) is the policy research and advocacy arm of the Department of Labor and Employment. For more information on this story, please contact the Advocacy and Publications Division at 527-3490.