MANILA — With a sincere goal of upholding the State’s constitutional obligation to put the health of the nation’s aging population first, Senator Francis Tolentino has submitted a resolution that would establish a comprehensive nutrition plan for the elderly in an effort to fortify the current nutritional infrastructure of the country.
The Department of Health (DOH), in collaboration with local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations (NGOs), and people’s organizations (POs) for senior citizens, shall establish a national health program and shall provide an integrated health service for the elderly under Tolentino’s Senate Bill No. 1799, also known as the proposed “Comprehensive Senior Citizen Welfare Act.”
Good nutrition is very essential in all age groups, most especially in the elderly. It provides the energy and nutrients that would help prevent or manage certain lifestyle diseases. Unfortunately, our government has somehow been remiss in providing this comprehensive nutritional support to our elderly,” Tolentino’s explanatory note stated.
The program enshrined under SB 1799 shall train community-based health workers among senior citizens and health personnel to specialize in the geriatric care and health problems of senior citizens.
The bill also mandates the National Nutrition Council (NCC), in coordination with DOH and every LGUs in the country to prepare a comprehensive nutrition and wellness program for senior citizens which shall be disseminated and made available to every locality for the awareness of every senior citizen.
“At this point in time, nutrition plays a very crucial role and requires special attention as Filipinos reach old age,” the senator added.
(Amado Inigo/MTVN)
