08/02/2023
This is my first post for this page. I was contemplating about what to do with this page and I thought of making something relevant for social awareness. I am starting with an open letter to Marikina City Office of the Senior Citizen Affairs, OSCA.
I am not to complain about anything shallow and people who know me can attest to that. However, I know for a fact that we deal with our own struggles and fight our own battles, regardless of its size.
Today, I am writing about the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs. Without a doubt, we all know that senior citizens are elderlies that reached the age of 60. Lo and behold because it's not the case in my city.
When my mother turned 60, the first order of business was to register in OSCA to qualify for the benefits. It was over 2 years ago. We waited in line on a long queue, am sure we all had a feel of the experience especially with government offices. The officer had my mom filling out all the necessary forms so we thought everything's good. After the forms were done, we were told that she wouldn't be eligible yet for the pension because their priority are the ones from 65 years and older. I was shocked! The b*t*h side of me was screaming inside telling them to change the law then! What happened to Republic Act No. 7432??? In case they're not aware, it states that: "Senior citizen or elderly refers to any resident citizen of the Philippines at least sixty (60) years old". But of course, that's just me. I thought I'd let it slide and wait a bit as they might just get any available slot for my mom sooner than 5 years.
After more than 2 years, my mom is still not in the list so I am guessing they are going to stick to the 65 years old to qualify. That means we're just waiting for over 2 years now. I won't be ranting if I see that it really is the case for everyone....BUT IT'S NOT!!! I know a few people who are enjoying their pension the moment they turned 60. So what does that leave me but to think that the system is FLAWED!!! Yes, , your system is flawed!
Sorry but not sorry because our elderlies deserve better. The pension that they are entitled for 4 decades of hardwork, not just to earn money but more importantly, to raise children that would later contribute to paying huge taxes, wouldn't even be enough for their needs. It's another way of saying that people must not die before 65 because if they do, they'll never get to reap the fruit of their decades of hardwork. During Covid, hundreds, if not thousands, died. The seniors were the most impacted ones. Lucky are the ones who survived...unfortunate for the ones who didn't. Just wishing that they somehow enjoyed the benefits.
I am writing this not just for my mother but for all the senior citizens who are still fighting and trying to survive. This is a small effort and to be honest, I wouldn't expect much. I think my next open letter should be directed to the president. What do you think?
