“CONSIDERING that the Anti-Elderly Abuse Ordinance was already approved in the previous council, we may now declare every 15th day of June each year as Elder Abuse Awareness Day.”
This was pointed out by Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya in his special report during the regular session last Monday as he presented the draft ordinance declaring every 15th day of June of every year as Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
Elder abuse is a global social issue which affects the health and human rights of millions of older persons around the world, and an issue which deserves the attention of the international community.
Resolution No. 66/127 adopted and/or issued on Dec. 19, 2011 by the United Nations General Assembly, specifically section 21, designates every 15th of June as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and invites all member state organizations of the UN system and other international and regional organizations as well as civil society including non-governmental organizations and individuals to observe it in an appropriate manner, Nacaya said.
The ordinance aims to ensure the meaningful observance of the day when the whole world voices its opposition to the abuse and suffering inflicted to some of our older generations, he added.
The councilor clarified that the ordinance has no penalty clause.
It provides that a comprehensive public education and awareness program shall be undertaken on the issues which affect the health and human rights of older persons.
Under the ordinance, the CSWD shall oversee the implementation of education and awareness programs specifically on issues on causes, consequences, treatment and the prevention of elder abuse, as well as the big importance of giving respect to the elderly and preserving their dignity for a holistic approach in battling the said abuse.
It seeks to ensure that the education campaign shall be meaningful and that the intention to protect and defend the elderly are underscored.
The Office of the Senior Citizens and the CSWD, as well as the accredited non-government organizations and private sector, shall lead the implementation of intensive education campaign and awareness program for elderly abuse and protection within the city, among others.
The proposed ordinance has been referred by Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin Uy to the committee on senior citizens chaired by Councilor Leon Gan, Jr., for appropriate action. (sp)
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