1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.

1 Background of the Study The Filipino society is relatively composed of younger age group; as such it was observed that the social welfare programs and researches seem to focused more on this age group. According to Zastrow (2008), the percentage of the recently discovered minority group senior citizensis slowly growing. About 5.8 Million or 6.5% of the 88.7 Million projected populations in the Philippines belonged to the senior citizens who are 60 years old and above (NSO, 2007). The number is growing at a faster rate than in many other developing countries and is expected to increase to 8.8 percent of the total population, or exceed 8.72 million by 2015 (NSO medium term assumption). The senior citizen has a life expectancy of sixty seven (67/ 67.05) for male and seventy-three (73/ 72.58) for female (National Statistical Coordination Board, N.D.; World Health Organization, 2012). The simultaneous rapid growth of the senior citizen population and the increase in their special needs such as health care, housing, income security and other social services must be put into utmost consideration. Recognizing the active and vigorous participation of the senior citizen; performing manifold roles at home and in the community, the Presidential Proclamation No. 470 was issued on the 26th of September 1994, which the First Week of October was declared as the Elderly Filipino Week (Linggo ng Nakatatandang Pilipino). In 1994, the theme chosen during the observance of the Elderly Filipino Week was "Nakatatanda: Tanglaw ng Bayan, Kaagapay sa Matuwid na Daan" while in the year 2011, the theme was Nakatatanda: Kaagapay sa Pagkakaisa at Kapayapaan.

The foregoing had declared the dynamic role of the elderly in the collective culture effort for Philippine nation-building or national development. Their experiences and expertise are well respected in helping the nation achieve its goals for the countrybeing the nations partner by being the golden light, a model and wealth, guiding the country to the right path or to progress. Accounts of the economic and political conditions or mechanisms during their time may still be applicable to the present time, or improved.

The Philippine Government has promoted several "elderly-friendly" measures; notably the passage of the Republic Act No. 7432 otherwise known as the Senior Citizens Act of 1992. In the year 2010, the Republic Act No. 9994, otherwise known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act was passed --currently providing the elderly benefits and privileges not included in the Senior Citizens Act of 1992. Under the said law, some five million senior citizens--Filipino residents of age sixty (60) and above--would receive a twenty (20) percent discount and exemption from the value-added tax (VAT) on the sale of goods and services (Bonabente, 2010; Reha, 2011), such as medicines, medical and dental fees, transport fares, hotel and restaurant services, admission fees.

In relation to this, the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs was established to properly distribute the rights and benefits of the senior citizens ID. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) was mandated by law to develop, administer and implement comprehensive social welfare programs designed to uplift the living conditions and empower senior citizens (Republic of the Philippines Department of Social Welfare and Development, Administrative Order No. 16, 2011). These offices has been organizing and coordinating their

efforts for the welfare of the elderly, which include visitation (Dalaw Kalinga and Visit to the Visitorless) to the indigent, sick, and older prisoners, medical and dental missions, sports activities, and forums/conventions for senior citizens. (Manila Bulletin, 2011) There is a dearth of literature on social welfare programs, in the local context; hence, this study will be conducted.

1.2 Research Objective The study aims to determine the extent of the current social welfare programs for senior citizens, in terms of advocating human growth in the City of Makati and the City of Santa Rosa. Specifically, the study will answer the following questions:

What are the available social welfare programs for senior citizens in the two cities? What are the perceptions of the senior citizens on the social welfare programs implemented for them?

What are the facilitating factors in the implementation of the social welfare programs for the senior citizens?

What are the hindering factors in the implementation of the social welfare programs for the senior citizens?

1.3 Definition of Terms Social Welfare. It is an organized institution, or programs and social service organizations functioning to satisfy human needs (Wolfe, 2003) or to solve recognized social problems by directly improving the well-being of individuals, groups, families, organizations, or

communities (Zastrow, 2008). The paper will also utilize an institutional view of social welfare, or the belief that difficulty of clients are caused by externalities beyond his/ her control (Hick, 1998; Zastrow, 2008). Senior citizen, elderly. They would be taken as any resident citizen of the Philippines at least the age of sixty (60), including those who have retired from both government offices and private enterprises, and has an income of not more than Sixty thousand pesos (P60,000.00) per annum subject to review by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) every three (3) years. (Republic Act No. 7432)

2.0 BODY/ DISCUSSION 2.1. Changing Roles of Social Welfare

2.1.1 Historical Background Even before the Industrial Revolution, there was a value given to the Judeo-Christian tradition of humanitarianismattribution of high value to human life and benevolently helping those in need. Social concerns responsibilities, therefore, were expected from the family, the church, or neighbours. Also, during the development of Feudal System, feudal lord usually provide necessary basic needs, if not met, of tenant family. Famines, wars, crop failures, pestilence, and breakdown in feudal system led to substantial increases in number of people in need. The Elizabethan Poor Law of 1601 was not a law aiming to alleviate poverty, but a solution to ruling class annoyance with begging (Zastrow, 2008). The relief recipients should only be the able-bodied poor, impotent poor, and dependent children. It then largely reflect the English Poor Laws in the 1600s, which emphasizes on personal responsibility, local control over decision-making, promoting family values, limited government involvement in social welfare

programs, the equating of the work to religious salvation, and a distinction between the deserving poor and the undeserving poor, which are embedded in contemporary social welfare policies (Ambrosino, Ambrosino, Heffernan, Shuttlesworth, 2012). Technological advances, like the steam engine, led to the Industrial Revolution. During the said period, the Protestant ethic of individualism was greatly respected. It was stressed that being poor is ones own moral fault. Laissez-faire or less government intervention was also prevalent during the said time. /Social Darwinism (Herbert Spencer) struggle, destruction, and survival of the fittestessential to human society progress/ Urban Migration (1800s, 1930s private social welfare programs (clergy and religious groups) by upper middleclass volunteers: charity and religious admonitions. On the turn of the 20th century, an opposition to Social Darwinism and Laissez-faire was made by Lester Ward (1883), which was known for being called as Dynamic Sociology. During the 1900s, social welfare was more professionalized. Untrained volunteers from middle and upper socioeconomic groups before were put into position. (Zastrow, 2008) The Great Depression and the Social Security Act. Before 193o, social services were provided primarily by churches and voluntary organizations. Public tax money financed by local governments were distributed by local chief directors. Poverty was viewed back then as a result of laziness and immorality. Public relief money, therefore, was viewed as pauper aid and receiving it was a huge disgrace. On October 1929, New York Stock Exchange crashed. Number of unemployed people totalled to almost three million (3 M) during the spring of 1929, and turned to fifteen million (15 M) on January 1933. In 1931, Pres. Herbert Hoover believed that public relief (state and federal money) would demoralize people and make them permanently dependent on the state and federal governments. He actually chose to approve a $45 M bill to

feed starving livestock in Arkansas over a $25 M bill for starving farmers and families. The Great Depression shattered the concept of individualism as there are evidence present that situations and events beyond control can cause deprivation, misery, and poverty. The Federal government therefore must play a role in provision of financial assistance and social services, and a need for permanent federal efforts in dealing with some of the critical problems of unemployment, aging, disability, illness, and dependent children (Zastrow, 2008) In 1935, Social Security Act was passed, which forms the basis of most of the current public social welfare programs, and federal legislation for 3 major categories of programs was enacted: (1) Social Insurance; (2) Public Assistance, and; (3) Public Health and Welfare Services. Social Insurance requires a set-up with an institutional orientation and provided insurance for unemployment, retirement, or death. It is generally referred to as Social Security. Second, for an individual to avail of Public Assistance, he or she must undergo a means test. Third, Public Health and Welfare Services, unlike the two financial aid, provide services that are social in nature. (Zastrow, 2008) In 1930s, the goals of social welfare were the protection of young, the promotion of family welfare, the improvement of community life and adjustment of the individual to his environment, the provision of basic necessities to the indigent and the relief of suffers from public calamities (Wolfe, 2003). In the past, social welfare aimed for specific goal, provision of the basic necessities to the indigent, etc. where it became broad today, progressive improvement of peoples living conditions. (Wolfe, 2003). In this context therefore, social welfare programs should develop public awareness of the necessity for change in the countrys economic and social structures. It

should also encourage public participation in decision-making and help form public opinion in favor of sounder and more human development goals.

2.1.2 Views on the Social Welfare Role in the Society There are two views of social welfare roles in society: (1) Residual, and (2) Institutional view. Residual View. Zastrow (2008) discussed that the Residual view is also known to have a gap-filling nature or first-aid role when needs are not properly met through other societal institutions, such as family and market economy. Funds and services are provided on a shortterm basis or during emergencies only, and withdrawn when capable of being self-sufficient. It takes the belief that causes of the clients difficulties--such as poverty, mental illness, and unemployment--are rooted in their personal failure or personal neglect (Ambrosino, Ambrosino, Heffernan, Shuttlesworth, 2012), therefore it is not a right but a gift. Institutional View. Zastrow (2008) described institutional view as a proper and legitimate function of the modern industrial society in helping individuals on the achievement of their selffulfillment. It takes the belief that individuals are victims of a rapidly changing society (Ambrosino, Ambrosino, Heffernan, Shuttlesworth, 2012), or difficulties are due to causes largely beyond their control, therefore recipients are entitled to such help. Efforts then are focused on improving the social institutions within which the individuals function.

2.2 Pertinent Laws and Policies on Social Welfare for Senior Citizens 2.2.1 International

Singapore Policy Framework on Ageing. The Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) is the head organization in Singapore which tackles various ageing issues. They work with other agencies and organizations to take address issues, including social integration, financial security, employment, housing, health care and intergenerational consistency. In March 2007, The Ministerial Committee on Ageing, chaired by Minister (Project Management Office) Boon Heng Lim was commenced to organize the governments efforts to plan for ageing population. The committee takes a whole-of-government approach with the vision of attaining Successful Ageing for Singapore, to work on the following strategic thrusts: (1) enhancement of employability and financial security; (2) provision of holistic and affordable healthcare and eldercare; (3) enabling of ageing-in-place, and; (4) promotion of active ageing. First, to successfully provide sustainable financial independence to senior citizens, employment and adequate savings are critical. Second, Health care and Elder care shall be accessible. Third, barrier-free accessibility of built environment and public transportation system and essential services for the senior citizens shall be elderly-friendly. Fourth, encouraging seniors to age successfully could be through maintaining physical and mental well-being and by enabling them to continually contribute to society. India National Policy for Senior Citizens. Indian government established new policy, National Policy for Senior Citizens 2011 that is based on several aspects. Factors such as the advancement in medical research, the changing economy and social milieu, the demographic explosion among the elderly, science and technology and high levels of destitution among the elderly rural poor (51 million elderly live below the poverty line) are included. This new policy deals with issues related to senior citizens living in urban and rural areas, special needs of the oldest old and older women. (HelpAge India)

The focus of the new policy (HelpAge India, 2011): 1. To bring the concerns of senior citizens (especially older women) in to the national development debate prioritizing applied apparatuses that has been settled by the government and sustained by civil society and senior citizens involvement. Support endorsement and establishment of senior citizens relations, especially among women. 2. To encourage promotion of concept of Ageing in Place or ageing in own home, housing, access to health care insurance systems and other programs and services, income security and home care services, old age pension to aid and maintain dignity in old age. The plunge of the policy would be preventive rather than cure. 3. The policy identifies that the concern of senior citizens has to stay vested in the family to associate the society, government, and the private sector that will deem institutional care as the last option. 4. The encouragement of employment in income generating activities after superannuation. 5. Completion of Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 and set up Committee to not have disregarded and abandoned elderly parents who are incapable of themselves.

2.2.2 National Policy on Senior Citizens: Policy objectives/ focus Republic Act No. 7432 An act to maximize the contribution of senior citizens to nation building, grant benefits and special privileges and for other purposes. Section 1. Declaration of Policies and Objectives. One of the duties of family is to take care of its elderly members (senior citizens) whereas the State may design social security programs for them. The State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development

which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health and other social services available to all the people at affordable cost. There shall be priority for the need of the underprivileged, sick, elderly, disabled, women and children. (Article XIII, Section 11) Following are the declared policies of this Act (Republic Act No. 7432): (1) To stimulate and support the senior citizens in order for them to contribute to nation building; (2) To promote their families and the communities they belong to reiterate the respected Filipino tradition of caring for the senior citizens. This Act aims to (Republic Act No. 7432): (1) Institute apparatuses whereby the input of the senior citizens are maximized; (2) Approval of measures whereby our senior citizens are appreciated and respected by the community as a whole; (3) Launch a program that is useful to the senior citizens, their families and the rest of the community that they belong and serve.

Section 3. Contribution to the Community. Any senior citizens qualified by the Office for Senior Citizen Affair (OSCA) as determined could deliver his/her services to the community which shall consist of, but not limited to, any of the following (Republic Act No. 7432): (1) Seminar and/or consultancy services; (2) Actual teaching and demonstration of hobbies and income generating skills; (3) Teachings on specialized fields including agriculture, environmental protection, health, and other likes; (4) The transfer of new skills attained by virtue of their training;

(5) Tackling other suitable services as determined by the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) including pre-school assistant, school traffic guide, tourist aid, and other likes.

Table 1. Philippines Population Projections By Age: 2000-2040 (Percentage) Age 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040

60-69 3.6 70-79 1.7 80+ 0.6

4.2 2.0 0.6

5.4 2.5 0.8

6.6 3.4 1.1

7.6 4.4 1.7

SOURCE: National Statistical Coordination Board. Projected Population, by Five-Year Age Group, Sex and Five-Year Interval, Philippines: 2000-2040 (Medium Assumption). Retrieved from http://www.nscb.gov.ph/secstat/d_popnProj.asp

Synthesis Social Welfare Program for Senior Citizens could be determined by the level of income of the country, which is reflected by the kind of social welfare programs being provided to the older population. The study will look into the cities of Makati and Santa Rosa, what are the factors that are considered in the implementation of programs for the senior citizens. Considering both of them have high level of income, the study would try to determine whether the local governments allocate resources for programs and services for the improvement of the quality of life of the senior citizens. The study will explore the differences in the way the two cities implement their programs for senior citizens, whether social welfare program considered as

priority program. The study will further look into what makes Makati City, being a high-income city, known for innovative and sustainable social welfare programs for senior citizens. On the other hand, the City of Santa Rosa, having high income as well, does not have much innovative and sustainable social welfare programs for the elderly. The study is interested to determine the gaps between the level of income in the implementation of the social welfare programs.

3.0 Location of the Study City of Makati Makati The City Government of Makati showed an increasing trend despite the economic setback in the country as well as some Asian cities. The city earned a total income of Php9 billion in 2007, an increase of 8.5% from the previous year's income of Php8.41 billion. (Makati Accounting Department, 2006-2007) Makati BLU Card Program. In the year 2002, the Makati BLU Card Program was initiated by Hon. Jejomar Binay. The initiative was a burial assistance program, enabling families of deceased BLU Cardholder senior citizens to receive financial assistance from the City Government of Makati. To avail the BLU Card, a senior citizen must be a registered voter and a current resident of Makati; wherein benefits would be forfeited when the cardholder transfers his/her residence outside Makati. An amount of P3,000 burial assistance would be given to the beneficiary stated at the back of the card in case of the cardholders death, presentation of necessary documents are required. Aside from the said benefits, the city government extended P1, 000 cash/ allowance to all senior citizens who are BLU cardholders in the middle and the end of the year (June and December). The amount of P40 million is appropriated every year for the said project. The Elderly Councils help in facilitating BLU card applicants. The Makati Social

Welfare Department (MSWD) partners with the Federation of Makati Council of Senior Citizens (FMCSC) in the implementation of the BLU Card Program. FMCSC has a chapter in every barangay and is headed by a chapter chairperson--responsible in facilitating and endorsing the application of Senior Citizens to enrol in the program. The feedbacks gathered from beneficiaries, including senior citizens from the villages, showed satisfaction with the first ever cash gift/ allowance given by the local government. (Makati Resolutions and Ordinances)

City of Santa Rosa The City of Santa Rosa is located in the Province of Laguna, southern part of Metro Manila. In 2007, the city had a population of 266,943, having a total land area of 5,543.4 hectares, or 3.08% of the total land area of Laguna; a population density of 48.15 hectares. The City has 18 barangays, 3 of which are located close to Laguna Lake. (Lamberte, 2011) A medical mission held at the covered court of Centro de San Lorenzo Subdivision, Santa Rosa City provided resident senior citizens free medical and dental services and priority lanes last 25th of May 2012. Each of the senior citizens had free cholesterol and glucose test kits provided by Unilab, Inc. Dr. Lina Aguilar--Philippine Dental Association Laguna Chapter President--and Dr. Marion Pahutan, including eight (8) other dentists, performed tooth extraction to 148 patients; ten (10) of those were senior citizens. The Provincial Administrator Atty. Leonardo M. Ragaza, Jr. informed the beneficiaries that the event is the 101st medical mission, wherein over 85,000 patients have been served since its July 2010 launching. It was added that it is an integral part of the 15-point program of Governor Jeorge E.R. Ejercito Estregan, the K2 Kinse Kumpleto Sebisyo Publiko Kontra Kahirapan at Gutom. The City

Mayor of Santa Rosa--Hon. Arlene B. Arcillas and other barangay officials was thanked for making the medical mission a huge success.

4.0 CONCLUSION Strengths, weaknesses, challenges and threats on implementation of social welfare programs for senior citizens, not studied. There is no disaggregating data to determine the number of senior citizens in the two cities. Also,

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