Golden Years, Golden Perks: A Guide to Senior Citizen Benefits in the Philippines

In the Philippines, reaching 60 years old means having access to several fun things: priority seating everywhere, a free pass for eccentricity, more time with the grandchildren, and, not least of all, a senior citizen ID.

- By CECILE J. BALTASAR

This ID, which is an official government-issued document, opens its legitimate bearer to numerous perks in the Philippines, aside from retirement benefits from SSS, Pag-IBIG, and GSIS.

According to the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 (or RA 9994), Filipino senior citizens are entitled to full support for their complete well-being, a comprehensive healthcare and rehabilitation system, and recognition of their valuable role in society.

In an effort to make life more comfortable for lolo and lola, the Philippine government extends to them numerous benefits, including:

20-PERCENT SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT

Aside from the usual 20-percent discount for medicines, restaurant meals, and certain grocery items enjoyed by seniors, many other items are applicable for the same markdown, according to RA 9994:

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE