PH Recognizes Older Persons as Agents of Change at UN Meeting
Deputy Permanent Representative Kira Christianne D. Azucena delivers the Philippine statement at the 10th Session of the Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing at the UN headquarters in New York on 15 April 2019 highlighting Philippine programs for older persons. (New York PM photo)
NEW YORK 26 April 2019 — The Philippines conveyed its support for a legally binding instrument on ageing to ensure that the rights, needs and well-being of older persons are promoted, protected and fulfilled at the 10th Session of the Open-ended Working Group on Ageing at the United Nations on 15 April 2019.
Speaking during the event, Chargé d’ affaires (CDA), a.i. and Deputy Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York Kira Christianne D. Azucena stated that older persons are agents of change and development and expressed the commitment of the Philippines to advance the rights and well-being of older persons.
Deputy Permanent Representative Azucena stated that the Philippine government makes every effort to address the challenges faced by older persons, noting that when it is about ageing, it is a race against time. She mentioned the Expanded Senior Citizens Act, which aims to provide benefits to senior citizens along the measures undertaken and provisions of universal health insurance for senior citizens, removing value added tax from medications for the three common maladies of the elderly – diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension, cash incentive for centenarians, and inclusion of older persons in training and capacity-building activities.
As the Philippines advocates for the rights of older persons and remains committed in strengthening the promotion of all their human rights, Deputy Permanent Representative Azucena expressed that, “Older persons deserve respect, dignity and the full enjoyment of their right. They deserve a special place in this journey where no one especially not them, should be left behind.”
Representatives of Member States, National Human Rights Institutions, and non-government organizations attended the event.
The 10th Session of the Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing considered the focus areas “education, lifelong education and learning” and “social protection and social security including social protection floors”.
It is an opportunity to share views on these areas which are crucial for improved quality of life and equality for older persons. It is also a platform to learn from the rich experiences and ideas presented by other Member States. END
For more information, visit www.newyorkpm.dfa.gov.ph, www.un.int/philippines or https://www.facebook.com/PHMissionNY/.