Malay Encourages Seniors to Avail of Benefits and Privileges

By Jun N. Aguirre

📸 Senior Health Tips PH (Facebook)

As the Philippines observes National Senior Citizens Day on August 21, the Municipal Government of Malay is encouraging senior citizens and their families to take advantage of the benefits and privileges provided under national laws, reaffirming its commitment to protecting the welfare and dignity of the town’s elderly population.

National Senior Citizens Day honors the contributions of older Filipinos to their families, communities, and nation-building. In Malay, local officials continue to strengthen programs that promote active aging, healthcare, and social inclusion.

According to the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) in Malay, there are 1,809 indigent senior citizens in the municipality.

Senior citizens in Malay are entitled to a range of benefits under national laws and local ordinances, including:

• Cash incentives for milestone birthdays, including those reaching ages 80, 85, 90, 95, and 100. Under local programs, senior citizens receive ₱90,000 upon reaching age 90, ₱30,000 from the local government upon reaching age 100, and an additional ₱100,000 from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) under the Centenarians Act. 

• A 20% discount and VAT exemption on medicines, medical services, transportation, hotels, restaurants, recreation facilities, and other goods and services covered by the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010. 

• Monthly social pensions for qualified indigent senior citizens under DSWD programs. 

• Free medical and dental consultations, as well as access to health services through the Municipal Health Office. 

• Priority lanes in government offices, banks, hospitals, pharmacies, and commercial establishments. 

• PhilHealth coverage for qualified senior citizens to help reduce hospitalization and healthcare costs. 

The Municipality of Malay also celebrates Senior Citizens Month every October through health services, recognition programs, recreational activities, and community events honoring the municipality’s elderly residents.

Meanwhile, Malay Councilor Grengo Gelito, chair of the Committee on Social Services, said he has filed a proposed ordinance granting ₱10,000 burial assistance for indigent senior citizens.