Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 7876)
The official title is the "Senior Citizens Center Act of the Philippines."
Senior citizens are defined as any person who is at least sixty (60) years of age.
The centers are established to provide recreational, educational, health, and social programs and facilities designed for the full enjoyment and benefit of senior citizens in every city and municipality.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) supervises the centers in collaboration with the local government units.
The centers shall (1) identify the needs, trainings, and opportunities of senior citizens; (2) initiate and implement productive activities to provide income or supplement earnings; (3) promote linkages with government units and NGOs for delivery of health care and other services; and (4) exercise other necessary functions to fulfill their purpose.
The Secretary of the DSWD may designate social workers from the Department or appoint other qualified personnel and also call upon private volunteers to provide services to senior citizens.
A senior citizen suffering from contagious diseases, or who is mentally unfit or unsound and whose actions are inimical to other senior citizens, as determined by the DSWD with medical certification, may be denied benefits but will be referred to appropriate government agencies for care.
Yes, the centers are exempt from customs duties, taxes, and tariffs on equipment and supplies imported for their exclusive use, including donated items.
The DSWD, in coordination with other government agencies, must issue the rules and regulations within sixty (60) days from the approval of the Act.
Violation may render officials liable under Republic Act No. 6713, the "Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees," and other administrative or criminal laws.
Funding shall be included in the General Appropriations Act starting the year after enactment, with the DSWD subsidizing part and the local government units subsidizing another part.
The Act took effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in two newspapers of general circulation.