Senior citizens wait for their turn at a COVID vaccination site in Mandaluyong in May 2021. — PHILIPPINE STAR/MICHAEL VARCAS

A bill that seeks to set up a nutrition program for the elderly has been filed at the Senate. 

Senate Bill 1799 or the Comprehensive Senior Citizen Welfare Act, which was filed by Senator Francis N. Tolentino on Jan. 30, will make integrated health services available to the elderly, he said in a statement on Thursday. 

“Good nutrition is very essential in all age groups, most especially in the elderly,” he said. “Unfortunately, our government has somehow been remiss in providing this comprehensive nutritional support to our elderly.” 

The measure aims to train community-based health workers in geriatric care to cater to other health problems of the elderly. Local government units will also visit the elderly regularly for medical checkups. 

“Nutrition plays a very crucial role and requires special attention as Filipinos reach old age,” Mr. Tolentino said. 

There are about 9.2 million senior Filipino citizens aged 60 and above, or 8.5% of the total population. — John Victor D. Ordoñez 

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR