Working for Survival
Throughout the city, there are a considerable number of senior citizens* who are still working despite their age. These people are still working in order to provide for their daily needs.
Councillor Nicasio Palaganas, Chairperson of Committee on Employment and Livelihood Programs said that there is no law or ordinance prohibiting the senior citizen from working. Palaganas said that old people work at their own expense because they have to earn for their survival.
Palaganas said that after the retirement senior citizens must be just resting at home while being sustained by their pensions. However, those who do not receive any pension or subsistence are usually forced to work to be able to earn for their daily living.
Palaganas also noted that the senior citizens who work do not violate any law and it is legal but sometimes, their works can be hazardous to them.
One work of the senior citizens is the gathering and collecting of horse manure in Maria Basa Barangay and then sell it to plant growers in Botanical Garden. These senior citizens gather the horse manure in the morning, let it dry, and used as fertilizer to the plants in Botanical garden.
According to Councilor Erdolfo Balajadia, Chairperson of the Committee on Health and Sanitation, the collection of horse manure is unhealthy and hazardous. Balajadia added that senior citizens might get sick and this sickness could be contagious.
(Originally posted as a requirement for an Online Journalism class)
Palaganas also noted that the senior citizens who work do not violate any law and it is legal but sometimes, their works can be hazardous to them.
One work of the senior citizens is the gathering and collecting of horse manure in Maria Basa Barangay and then sell it to plant growers in Botanical Garden. These senior citizens gather the horse manure in the morning, let it dry, and used as fertilizer to the plants in Botanical garden.
According to Councilor Erdolfo Balajadia, Chairperson of the Committee on Health and Sanitation, the collection of horse manure is unhealthy and hazardous. Balajadia added that senior citizens might get sick and this sickness could be contagious.
*A person is considered a senior citizen if he reaches the age of 60 and has an annual income of not more than P 60, 000. However, Palaganas said that the second condition is not strictly implemented.
