Ismael Maralit, a 66-year-old driver from Siquijor town, is grateful that he has been given an opportunity to work despite his age. (MSH/PIA7 Cebu)
For many people, retirement marks the end of a career, a time to rest and step back from the workforce.
This perception, however, is shifting as more and more senior citizens opt to remain in the workforce in their later years.
Now, the Philippine government is taking steps toward ensuring that senior citizens will have access to employment with the introduction of the House Bill No. 10985, also known as the Employment Opportunities for Senior Citizens and Private Entities’ Incentives Act.
This bill seeks to give senior citizens the opportunity to work in various forms of employment such as clerical, consultancy, janitorial services, among other jobs.
Ismael R. Maralit, 66, a resident in Siquijor town in Siquijor province, has embraced continued employment.
Despite being a senior citizen, Maralit is still active in the workforce. He was hired as a driver by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Siquijor six months ago.
Maralit, a father of five children, had gone through various employments throughout his life.
“Marami akong pinagdaanan na trabaho. Naging security guard, security manager, truck driver, at nagdumala ng isang construction firm,” he said.
(I’ve been through several jobs — a security guard, security manager, truck driver, and had managed a construction firm.)
For Maralit, staying employed is not just about earning but a necessity to meet his medical expenses and other essential needs for his family.
“Ako ay nagtatrabaho kahit senior citizen na (kasi) dala ng kahirapan ng panahon, para sa gastusin sa pang-araw-araw lalong-lalo na sa aking maintenance,” he said.
(I am working even though I am a senior citizen due to poverty, for daily expenses, and especially for my maintenance medicine.)
But beyond the financial aspect, he finds joy in his work. Maralit said that the House Bill could be a game-changer for senior citizens if employers are willing to embrace it.
“Ang House Bill na ito ay isang malaking tulong para sa mga senior citizens kung ito ay ipatutupad ng mga employer na mag-employ talaga sila ng mga senior citizen,” he said, hoping for more opportunities for his fellow seniors.
(This House Bill will be a big help for senior citizens once implemented by employers who are willing to employ senior citizens.)
Roger J. Quezon, executive assistant I of Siquijor LGU, lauded the contributions and efforts of senior citizens like Maralit, as he sees them as valuable resources.
“Senior citizens can also be hired based on their expertise. Their expertise can also be used for consultancy. Makatabang pud sila sa economy. Instead of sitting down at home, they will be earning money to support their family,” he said.
(Senior citizens can also contribute their expertise for consultancy. Instead of sitting down at home, they will have a chance to earn money to support their family.)
Quezon emphasized that senior citizens still possess skills, knowledge, and work ethic that can benefit business, government, and communities alike. Rather than being sidelined in their golden years, seniors are given the opportunity to remain active in the workforce, benefitting both themselves and the economy.
Maralit said that it is essential for senior citizens to continue working, as many still have the capacity to do so despite their age.
“Ngayong panahon ay kailangang-kailangan ng mga senior citizen na maghanapbuhay pa. Kahit na ang iba dyan ay nagsabi natin na senior citizen na, pero may kapasidad pa rin upang makapagtrabaho,” he said.
(Nowadays, it is really necessary for senior citizens to look for jobs. Despite their age, they still have the capacity to work.)
As society redefines what it means to grow old, it is important to recognize that the value of experience and expertise does not diminish with age but rather enriches the workforce.
The passage of the House Bill No. 10985 may mark the beginning of a broader shift that views aging not as a time of retreat but as an opportunity for continued growth, contribution, and fulfillment. (MSH/PIA7 Cebu)