“The protesters are up in arms over higher rental fees they claim would make goods and services previously easily accessible and affordable well beyond the reach of the community”
WHAT’S going on in Taguig?
Well, elderly residents supporting Mayor Lani Cayetano won in the recent elections for officers of the Senior Citizens Association in the 10 EMBO (Enlisted Men’s Barrio) barangays in what’s viewed as a significant political development here.
The elections last March ended with a decisive 7-3 victory in favor of the Cayetano-allied seniors, highlighting the shifting political landscape in these communities.
Barangays Pitogo, South Cembo, Comembo, East Rembo, and Rizal all showed strong support for the Cayetano group while significant wins were also seen in Post Proper Northside and West Rembo, where allies also won key positions.
This change has sparked discussions among the elderly in these communities about the improvements and changes in governance since they became part of Taguig.
The Taguig seniors are extremely grateful that once they reach 100 years old, they stand to receive a P100,000 cash gift from the city government.
They will continue to get the same amount annually after their centennial birthday. Since most centenarians invariably suffer from serious health issues, the cash gift from the city government is truly heaven-sent since this would allow them to enhance their quality of life in their advanced age.
Birthday cash gifts in Taguig are distributed house-to-house and in cash, a practice that varies significantly from what some seniors experienced before.
Taguigueño senior citizens receive birthday cash gifts ranging from P3,000 to P10,000 depending on their age bracket: P3,000 for those 61-69 years old, P4,000 for those 70-79 years old, P5,000 to those 80-89 years old, and P10,000 to those 90-99 years old.
Embo elderly have also started to visit the Taguig Center for the Elderly, the country’s pioneering wellness hub for senior citizens.
It offers the perfect place for senior citizens in Taguig to relax and treat themselves to much-deserved pampering.
The five-story building has the following features: therapy pool; sauna; gym/yoga/ballroom area; massage room; cinema; rooftop garden; multi-purpose hall/recreational area; clinic; and offices.
Moreover, the “Pamaskong Handog” program in Taguig ensures that seniors, the pregnant, and persons with disabilities receive holiday packages at their doorsteps.
These packages, including 10 kilos of rice, offer substantial support to families in the Embo barangays and reinforces the community spirit during the Christmas season.
Senior citizens in Taguig City also enjoy a variety of health benefits from the city government, including free medical check-ups, nursing services in the comfort of their homes, provision of medical devices such as hearing aids, canes and wheelchairs.
Maintenance medicines for 30 days are also delivered monthly straight to their doorsteps.
Pampered, in short, is what the elderly can expect in this part of Metro Manila. How we wish other cities can replicate this.
Diliman Republic up in arms over ‘commercialization’
Meanwhile, over at the University of the Philippines Diliman, various organizations have expressed strong disapproval of what they perceive as the increasing commercialization of the campus.
Last month, the UPD community, including the University Student Council, Shopping Center Association, UP Academic Workers Union, UP Workers Alliance, Movement for Democratic Governance, and College Councils, launched the “UP Not for Sale Network.”
They raised angry slogans: “Prioritize the UP Community! Stop the Commercialization of DiliMall! Serbisyo sa Tao, Huwag Gawing Negosyo!”
The event marked the coming opening of “DiliMall,” which replaces the old UP Shopping Center that was razed to the ground years ago.
The protesters are up in arms over higher rental fees they claim would make goods and services previously easily accessible and affordable well beyond the reach of the community.
According to UP Diliman University Student Council chairperson Mary Sunshine Reyes, the commercialization of DiliMall would lead to loss of livelihood for vendors or “manininda,” as the promised slots in the mall were not given to them.
Besides, Area 2, a street with community-based food services, faces closure by the UP administration.
“It is crucial to recognize that the issue at hand transcends mere infrastructure. It symbolizes the erosion of basic student services and (a mindset) that prioritizes profit over people. It is incumbent on the administration to champion the rights and the well-being of the community,” Reyes said.
Meanwhile, Samahan ng mga Manininda sa UP Campus chairperson Narry Hernandez pointed out that campus authorities seem to be giving priority to big enterprises rather than protecting the welfare of the “Iskolar ng Bayan” and underprivileged vendors.
He lamented that UP Diliman has really changed, as it does not listen anymore to students who are the largest stakeholders of the institution. (Email: [email protected])
