Philippines Boosts Support for Seniors and PWDs with Enhanced Discount Program
In a landmark move, the Philippine government has significantly increased the financial support for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) through a joint administrative order (JAO). The order, signed by the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Department of Energy, effectively doubles the special 5 percent discount on basic and prime commodities for these groups.
The initiative, propelled by Congress under the leadership of House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, raises the weekly discount to PHP 125 from PHP 65, amounting to PHP 500 per month. This increase aims to cover a wider range of products, including essential food items like rice, fish, pork, and poultry, as well as non-food items such as cooking gas and certain construction materials.
Moreover, the JAO has elevated the total value of goods that can be purchased at a discounted rate to PHP 2,500 weekly, up from PHP 1,300, or PHP 10,000 monthly from PHP 5,200. This substantial enhancement is part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s broader vision to ensure affordable food and better nutrition for all Filipinos.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. expressed optimism that this special discount will have a greater impact once the government’s efforts to modernize agriculture and increase food production come to fruition.
The revised discount program also extends to farm inputs like fertilizers and feeds, further supporting the agricultural sector. Senior citizens, single mothers, and PWDs, who already enjoy a 20 percent discount on most goods and services, stand to benefit significantly from this policy.
Statistics from the 2020 census indicate that approximately 15 million Filipinos are aged 60 or above, while around 12 percent of the population is estimated to have severe disabilities, with a significant portion among the elderly.
In addition to aiding consumers, the JAO provides incentives for businesses by allowing them to deduct the value of the special discounts granted from their income tax payments, fostering a supportive environment for this compassionate initiative.