1

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The percentage of older persons is expected to escalate worldwide. In the 2013

World Health Report's population on ageing, the global share of older people (aged 60

years or over) increased from 9.2 percent in 1990 to 11.7 percent in 2013, and will continue

to grow as a proportion of the world population, reaching 21.1 percent by 2050 (World

Population Ageing, 2007).

In the Philippines, people who are regarded as senior citizens (SC) are those aged

60 years old and over. They made up 6.8 percent of the 92.1 million household population

in 2010, higher than the 6.0 percent recorded in 2000. Among the senior citizens, females

(55.8 percent) outnumbered males (44.2 percent) (NSO Census, 2010).

As the immediate challenge of a growing population of elderly in the world and the

Philippines, the Philippine government made sure steps were taken to safeguard the

welfare of these populations. In the 1987 Constitution, it mandated that “the State shall

adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development, which shall

endeavor to make essential goods, health, and other social services available to all people

at an affordable cost, “with priority given to the needs of the “underprivileged, sick, elderly

and disabled.” It is clear that the Philippine government has made this commitment to

protect and uplift the said population. Thus, the Republic Act No. 7432 of 1992 was

enacted; this was the first senior citizen's law that safeguarded the elderly Filipino

benefits and special privileges. The Philippine government, concerned with the steady

increase of senior citizens, further passed laws that identify and capitalize on the
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contribution of senior citizens in nation-building. Followed by RA 9257, the Expanded

Senior Citizens Act of 2003, the state made sure that the benefits and rights of senior

citizens be enhanced through RA 9994, which is the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of

2010. This law assured senior citizens’ improved medical benefits, discount privileges,

planned programs, projects, and government financial assistance.

Pursuant to R.A. 9994 under Section 5, the government institution mandated to

develop and implement programs on social services for senior citizens is the DSWD in

cooperation with the OSCA, the LGUs, NGOs, and POs for senior citizens.

However, based on the annual report of the DSWD in 2012, for the Residential

Care Program, the department was able to serve only 446 senior citizens, roughly only

2.65% out of the 16,831 population they served in the residential care facilities for elderly

(DSWD Annual Report, 2012). This was a far cry of the projected elderly population of

7M senior citizens (6.9% of the total population), 1.3M of which are indigents (DOH,

2011). These centers aimed to provide the elderly essentials of social protection, home life,

education, psychological/psychiatric care, economic productivity/skills training and

socio-cultural activities, recreation, dental/medical treatment, and spiritual services for

the elderly.

Another program mandated by the government is the senior citizens' social

pension. The DSWD implemented its Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens in all the

regions of the country. The program covers those 77 years old and above who are frail,

sickly, or those who have a disability who are not receiving a pension and have no

permanent source of income or regular support from their relatives. As of December 27,

2013, only 254,175 senior citizens out of the 1.3M (as projected by DOH report) have
 3

received their monthly stipend worth P500. The program had a budget of P1.4B for 2013

and P3.1B for 2014 (DSWD, 2014).

Although the government has put into place laws and programs, the need for

check-and-balance should be regularly be evaluated. Moreover, the lack of evaluation in

the ‘grassroots’ areas (rural areas in the Philippines) has put into question the proper

implementation of the said laws. This study is anchored on the current feedback from

senior citizens who were directly affected by either the success or failure of R.A. 9994.

One of the grey areas that need to be assessed is the efficiency, effectiveness, and

accountability in implementing the said law since insufficient information on programs

and project performance may seriously create a disadvantage for the national managers

in their efforts to improve the social welfare program. Furthermore, congressional

policymaking, spending decisions, and program oversight are handicapped by the lack of

proper evaluation of the said programs, project performance, and results of its

implementation.

This research study is based on RA 9994, which provides benefits, and privileges

to senior citizens because one of the greatest obstacles that senior citizens faces today is

poverty and the act can help them save more money. An issue is the economic impact of

ageing on overall welfare. Given their increasing number, the elderly pose a great

economic challenge as their productivity declines. Thus, there is a need for a strong

commitment and a comprehensive policy that would respond to the various needs of the

elderly. This paper aims to present these crucial aspects of the situation of the elderly in

its attempt to identify the many challenges that we need to address and contend with in

the next century.

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The author employs an idea to conduct this study, due to the need to find out how

programs implemented effectively particularly in the remote areas where the information

dissemination is not focus as well as to assess how senior citizens satisfied to the benefits

and privileges provided by the government.

Due to this need, the author focused on gathering information about the senior

citizens’ program and its implementation and how useful it is to date. This study finds out

what are the present programs, benefits, and privileges availed by the senior citizens as

well as assesses how they are satisfied with the services provided by the government.

Furthermore, it looked for the problems encountered in availing those services, programs,

benefits, and privileges by the senior citizens.

Statement of the Problem

The study entitled “Level of Satisfaction of Senior Citizens on the Benefits and

Privileges availed under R.A No. 9994 Senior Citizens Act in Plaridel Aborlan, Palawan.

Specifically, this study sought to answer the following questions;

1. What are the demographic profile of the respondents?

2. What are the benefits, programs and services availed by the Senior Citizens?

3. What is the level of satisfaction of the senior citizens on the benefits, programs and

services offered by the government?

4. What are the problems encountered by the senior citizens in availing benefits

programs and services?

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Objectives of the Study

The study had the following objectives:

1. To determine the demographic characteristics of the respondents;

2. To determine he benefits, programs and services availed by the Senior Citizens;

3. To determine the level of satisfaction of the senior citizens on the benefits,

programs and services offered by the government; and

4. To identify the problems encountered by the senior citizens in availing programs

and services.

Significance of the Study

The results of this study serves as guideline or references for the senior citizens to

enlighten and empower them to avail the benefits, privileges, programs and services

provided by the government.

For the Families they benefit from this study because they are the ones who are

taking good care of their elderly and this will also help them know more about existing

benefits for their aging parents.

For the government also gains benefit from this study as this would serve as a basis

to assess the implementation of the programs for the senior citizens

For the Academe to strengthen their curriculum on Gerontology thus, becoming

more efficient health care providers especially to the elderly.

For the MSWD Office of Aborlan and other concern Agencies, the study provides

useful information and guidelines to benchmark and assess the implementations

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effectivity of this act, and how senior citizens responds and availed those offered

programs by the government.

To the Barangay Channel, this study provides information to assess the

implementation of the programs in local levels.

For the future researchers who want to pursue the same related topics, it will serve

as a guide and literature and guide them to their future undertakings.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

The study focused on the level of satisfaction of senior citizen on the benefits and

privileges availed under R.A. No. 9994 Senior Citizen Act in Plaridel Aborlan, Palawan.

The study was conducted to determine the profile of the respondents, identify the

benefits, program and services availed by the senior citizens, identify and assess the level

of satisfaction on the benefits, programs and services availed as well as to find out the

problems encountered by the respondents in availing the services given by the

government.

Operational Definition of Terms

The following words were defined according to their use in this study to help in

understanding the meaning of the terms.

Age. It refers to the length of existence in terms of years of the parents from the tome a

person was born up to present.

Benefits. It refers to the improvement in condition, advantage and helps provided by the

organization and agency concerned.

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Civil Status. It refers to the civil standing of the respondent whether single, married,

separated or widow/er.

Demographic Characteristics. It refers to the social identification of the respondents

that includes age, gender, civil status, monthly income, educational attainment,

occupation, housing, living status and health status.

Educational Attainment. It refers to the school level the respondent has attained as a

result of formal schooling.

Privileges. Special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a

particular person or group of people.

Satisfaction. It refers to the result that deals with a problem or complaints in an

acceptable way.

Senior Citizen. It refers to any Filipino citizen who is a resident of the Philippines, and

who sixty years old and above. It may apply to senior citizens with dual citizenship

status provided they proved their Filipino citizenship and have at least six months’

residency in the Philippines.

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CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

It is estimated that the proportion of people aged 60 years and older in the world

will double between 2000 and 2050. In 2025, it is projected that 15 percent (%) of the

world population will be aged 60 and over. Among the world’s population, aged 60 years

and above, 52 percent (%) live in Asia and the Pacific in 2002, and this is projected to

increase to 59 percent (%) in 2025. With the growing awareness of the elderly's concerns

and needs, there is a higher demand for them to promote their welfare. The government

offers welfare services and passed different laws for their privileges and benefits in the

Republic Act 7432 with its amendment. However, the effectiveness of such welfare

services, such as homes for the aged, can only be confirmed by the level of satisfaction of

the intended beneficiaries.

The total population of the Philippines stands at 73,130,885, and the elderly

population is considered to have a total 4,280,364 or 5.8 percent of our population.

Significant concerns of the elderly have only recently been offered serious consideration.

Perhaps, because of the prevailing view, that the local population is generally young ones,

no close attention is given to elderly issues.

One of the issues is security in old age. Poverty is perceived as an obstacle to a

secure old age. As such, the current pension system in the Philippines requires careful

consideration and evaluation. The government offers welfare services such as homes for

the aged and senior citizen centers to address the plight of the Filipino elderly better.

However, the effectiveness of such welfare services can only be confirmed by the level of

satisfaction among the intended beneficiaries.

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Another issue is the health status of the elderly. As people age, their bodies undergo

changes that can make them less resistant to chronic, debilitating, and disabling

conditions. Consequently, the elderly tend to be at a higher risk of developing disabilities

and contracting diseases.

The majority of the marginalized Filipino elderly continue to work and push their

bodies to the extreme in order to eat, live, and provide for those who are still depending

on them with the little income that they are earning. Their exposure to stress can also be

a factor affecting their health status. Since they are poor or marginalized, the elderly feel

pressured to help in any way they can, especially if they are living with adult children who

are also supporting their own families. Because of this situation, they are overworked and

undernourished, which makes them more vulnerable to diseases and other ailments.

Unfortunately, education on disease prevention is also absent. Furthermore, with

growing awareness of the elderly's concerns and needs, there is greater demand for

appropriate policies and legislative initiatives to promote their welfare. In response,

several bills for the elderly have already been passed by both houses of the 11th Congress

of the Philippines and have to go through the legislative mill. Since March 1999, there

have been repeated calls for the amendment of R.A. No. 7432, which is also known as the

Senior Citizens Act. These calls for amendment are mainly aimed at strengthening and

maximizing the benefits and special privileges that the government accords senior

citizens. The other House Bill that people seek to amend focuses on the Local Government

Code of 1991 and pushes for the representation of senior citizens in the Sanggunians of

Barangays, municipalities, cities, and provinces under the Republic Act Number 7432.

The latter House Resolution can be considered to be a response to the usual complaints
 10

of some senior citizens who have encountered difficulties in availing themselves of the

20% discount.

As provided in the Philippines’ Constitution, the state is duty-bound to recognize

the rights of senior citizens by providing support through various social programs. Thus,

senior citizens are granted benefits and privileges that range from 20% discount and VAT

exemption to mandatory membership in the government’s healthcare system, Philhealth.

Senior citizens are granted several benefits and privileges under the Republic Act

No. 9994 and the Republic Act No. 10645. In order to avail of these benefits, the senior

citizen or his/her authorized representative shall present a valid [?], and the Office of

Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) in the city or municipality where the senior citizen resides

issues the original Senior Citizens’ Identification Card.

The public has been made aware of the benefits given to senior citizens under RA

9994. Particularly, they are entitled to a 20% discount and exemption from VAT on their

purchase of specified goods and services; P500 monthly social pension (for indigent

senior citizens); death benefit assistance; 5% discount on utilities; and income tax

exemption for minimum wage earners or for senior citizens whose annual gross income

does not exceed their personal exemptions.

According to Section 7 of RR 7-2010, the cost of the discount incurred by these

establishments shall be allowed as a deduction from gross income only for the same

taxable year that the discount is granted, provided that the amount of sales reported for

tax purposes is the undiscounted selling price and not the amount of sales net of the

discount. In effect, the discount granted shall be treated as an ordinary and necessary

expense deductible from the gross income of the seller, falling under the category of

itemized deductions. Since it is not covered by any of the specific line items in the list of
 11

itemized deductions, it may have to be included under the classification of

“miscellaneous” or “others.”

The Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 gives the elderly benefits and privileges

not included in the Senior Citizens Act of 1992 (Republic Act No. 7432). Some five million

senior citizens, defined as resident citizens of the Philippines aged 60 and above, will get

the following: a 20-percent discount and exemption from the value-added tax on the sale

of goods and services (medicines, medical and dental fees, transport fares, services in

hotels and restaurants, and admission fees in theaters and other places of leisure), but in

case of discount promos, the senior citizens shall avail themselves of either the

promotional discount or the 20-percent discount, whichever is higher; mandatory

PhilHealth coverage; free medical and dental services and diagnostic and laboratory fees

in all government facilities; a monthly stipend of P500; for indigents, a P1,500-monthly

stipend and free vaccination against the influenza virus and pneumococcal disease; a five-

percent discount on water bills (if consumption is less than 30 cubic meters a month) and

electric bills (if consumption is less than 100 kilowatt-hours); and educational assistance

for those who shall meet school admission requirements. To avail themselves of benefits,

senior citizens should present their passport or other documents establishing their

citizenship and age. In case of death, the nearest surviving relative of the deceased senior

citizen shall get P2,000.00. The law also orders the Department of Health, local

government units, and other concerned organizations to institute a national health

program for the elderly. It also establishes an Office for Senior Citizens Affairs in all cities

and municipalities and a senior citizens' ward in every government hospital.

First-time violators of the law face imprisonment of six months to two years and a

fine ranging from P50,000.00 to P100,000.00. For subsequent violations, the penalty
 12

can go up to P200,000.00, and the prison term can reach six years. Anyone who abuses

the privileges granted in the law shall pay a fine of P5,000.00 to P50,000.00, and shall

be jailed for at least six months.

Fortunately, in the Philippines, the elderly rights and need for assistance are given

recognition and importance through the passage of the Senior Citizens’ Act or Republic

Act (RA) No. 7432, as amended by RA 9994 (Expanded Senior Citizens’ Act of 2010); this

may be seen as a victory for all the elderly who benefit from the law. However, could the

same be said of all covered establishments mandated by the same law to grant the

discount and the implementation of its other provisions?

In the study done Balanon et al., results revealed that there is a positive

relationship between patient satisfaction and the ethnicity of the patient. There were no

significant relationships between the variables of gender and socio-economic and

educational attainment. Efforts should be made to increase the time spent with senior

citizens during their checkups, and health care should be made more accessible and

convenient to them. The financial aspect is the area with the least satisfaction despite The

Expanded Senior Citizens Act (RA 9994). Future studies could focus on the impact of

RA9994 in the health care of senior citizens. Further recommendations include studies

done in a broader age group for assessment of patient satisfaction in the general

population.

Recent studies conducted by Savella (2017) stated that the respondents are “aware”

on the Provisions of the Senior Citizens Act; the following parameters that are on

retirement benefits of retirees from both the government and the private sector shall be

regularly reviewed to ensure their continuing responsiveness and sustainability, and the

extent of practicability and feasibility shall be upgraded to be at par with the current scale
 13

enjoyed by those in actual service and on the provision that the Department of Education

(DepEd), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the

Commission on Higher Education (CHED), in consultation with non-government

organizations (NGOs) and people’s organizations (POs) for senior citizens, shall institute

programs that will ensure access to formal and non-formal education.

Also, results showed that there is a limited level of awareness on other scopes and

privileges that senior citizens can access with regard to formal and non-formal education.

There is a need for a strong commitment and a comprehensive policy that would respond

to the various needs of the elderly.

Old age is the last phase of the human life cycle or the closing period in the lifespan.

It is a period after more desirable times of usefulness. Traditional society looked positively

at old age and maintained that “old is gold” in terms of maturity, experience, and wisdom.

At present, old age is regarded negatively, and the common expressions are “old and sick,”

“old and frail,” “old and poor,” and “old and useless,” which reflects the dependency and

inactiveness of the aged. All these terms indicate that they have lost their capability to be

economically and socially productive. In recent years, several terms are being used to

describe them in a more positive manner, such as “senior citizens,” “elderly,” “third age

individuals,” and “individuals in the twilight of life.” They are the ones who possess skills

in language, music, or painting, and they appear to develop and retain these skills as they

grow older. However, their intellectual performance actually improves with age, and

when a person grows to maturity, they develop stable values, attitudes, and habits.
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Conceptual Framework

This research “Level of Satisfaction of Senior Citizen on the Benefits and Privileges

availed under R.A. 9994 Senior Citizen Act in Plaridel Aborlan, Palawan will have done

by making a description of the various variables that are related to the satisfaction of the

senior citizen about the benefits and privileges availed stipulated in R.A. 9994 Senior

Citizen Act.

The independent variables included the profile of the respondents, on the other

hand the intervening variables will be the benefits, programs and services availed by the

senior citizen.

The dependent variables consisted the level of satisfaction of the senior citizen on

the benefits and privileges availed under R.A. 9994.

A five-point rating scale was used to measure all the variables. It has the following

ratings: 5 – Very Satisfied; 4 – Moderately Satisfied; 3 – Satisfied; 2 – Moderately

Dissatisfied; 1 – Very Dissatisfied.

Independent Variables Intervening Variables Dependent Variables

Personal Profile of
“Level of Satisfaction of
the Respondents
Senior Citizen on the
a) Age
Benefits and Privileges
b) Gender
Availed under R.A 9994
c) Educational
Senior Citizen Act”
Attainment
a) Very Satisfied
d) Occupation Benefits, Programs b) Moderately
e) Religion and Services availed Satisfied
f) Ethnicity by the Senior c) Satisfied
g) Living Status
Citizen d) Moderately
h) Housing
Dissatisfied
i) Health Status
e) Very Dissatisfied

Figure 1. Conceptual Paradigm showing the relationship of the different variables

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CHAPTER III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the procedure employed in the study. It describes the locale

of the study, research design, respondents of the study, sampling procedure, research

instrument, procedure for data collection and treatment of data

Locale of the Study

Plaridel is one of the barangay’s in the municipality of Aborlan in the province of

Palawan, situated at approximately 9.3910, 118.4975, in the island of Palawan. Elevation

at these coordinates is estimated at 22.4 meters or 73.5 feet above mean sea level.

Barangay Plaridel was composed of four Purok's namely: magsasaka, matatag, maligaya,

and ilocandia respectively. According to the 2015 Census, it has 3, 297 population

represented the 9.40% of the total population of Aborlan. As to their age group Plaridel

has the highest population from 10 to 14, with 408 individuals and 80 and Above with 32

individuals. This study was conducted during the month of December 2018 at Barangay

Plaridel Aborlan, Palawan.

Research Design

The descriptive method of research of research was used in the conduct of the study

by employing descriptive survey method in gathering the data needed in this study.

Descriptive method is a design which describes the nature of a situation as it exists at the

time of the study and to explore the course of a particular phenomenon

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Respondents of the study

The respondents of the study were the forty (40) senior citizens residing in the four

purok’s namely: magsasaka, metatag, maligaya and ilocandia in Plaridel Aborlan,

Palawan

Sampling Procedure

Purposive sampling was used to identify the respondents of the study. The first ten

names listed in the records of MSWD that represents the four purok’s will be the selected

respondents.

Research Instrument

Survey questionnaire was prepared in English and translated into Filipino so that

the respondents could understand the questions clearly.

Procedure for Data Collection

A letter of request was sent to the Office of the MSWD of Aborlan requesting for

the list and name of the respondents. The researchers selected 40 respondents through

the records of MSWD. It also sent a letter of request to the Office of the Barangay

Chairperson of Barangay Plaridel Aborlan asking permission to allow the researchers to

conduct the study in their barangays. Then, the researchers conducted the study at the

time convenient to the respondents. Data gathering done personally by the researcher by

administering the questionnaires to the respondents, which retrieved right away after

answering the question herein.

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Treatment of Data

The data analysis was carried out by using descriptive statistics such as frequency

counts, percentages and means.

Based on the given scale, the following ranges was used to determine the level of

satisfaction of the respondents.

1.00-1.50 Very Dissatisfied

1.51-2.50 Moderately Dissatisfied

2.51-3.50 Satisfied

3.51-4.50 Moderately Satisfied

4.51-5.00 Very Satisfied

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THIS SITE

Figure 2. Map of Palawan showing the Municipality of Aborlan, Palawan

 19

THIS SITE

Figure 3. Map of Aborlan Palawan showing the locale of the study

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CHAPTER IV

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This chapter involves the presentation and the discussion of the data gathered

from the respondents on the basis of the objectives. This focuses on the demographic

characteristics of the respondents.

Demographic Characteristics of the Respondents

Table 1. Demographic Profile of the Respondents

Characteristics Frequency Percentage

(n=40) (%)

Age
60-65 Years old 14 35
66-70 Years old 8 20
71-75 Years old 8 20
76-80 Years old 8 20
81-90 Years old 1 2.5
91 and above 1 2.5

Gender
Male 15 37.5
Female 25 62.5

Civil Status
Single 0 0
Married 26 65
Widow/Widower 14 35
Separated 0 0
Common Law 0 0

Educational Attainment
Elementary Level 8 20
Elementary Graduate 8 20
High School Level 10 25
High School Graduate 1 2.5
College Level 3 7.5
College Graduate 0 0
Graduate (MS/PHD) 0 0
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Characteristics Frequency Percentage

(n=40) (%)

Occupation
Farmer 3 7.5
Handicraft Making 1 2.5
Dress Maker 1 2.5
Vendor 6 15
Public Servant 0 0
Furniture Maker 4 10
Carpenter 2 5
Housewife 9 22.5
Housekeeper 7 17.5
No work 7 17.5

Monthly Income
1,000-3,000 7 17.5
3,001-6,000 6 15
6,001-9,000 4 10
9,001-12,000 0 0
12,001 and above 0 0
No Income 23 57.5

Religion
Roman Catholic 32 80
Born Again 0 0
Islam 0 0
Baptist 0 0
Iglesia ni Cristo 4 10
Adventist 1 2.5
Pentecostal 1 2.5
Church of Christ 2 5

Housing
Concrete 9 22.5
Semi-concrete 24 60
Bahay-Kubo 7 17.5

Living Status
Living with their Family 40 100
Living with relatives 0 0
Living with friends or peers 0 0
Living alone 0 0

Health Status
Healthy 38 95
Unhealthy 2 5
 22

Table 1 shows the demographic profile of the respondents which include age,

gender, civil status, educational attainment, occupation, monthly income, religion,

housing, living status and health status respectively.

Age

The age of the respondents ranged from 60-91 years old and above. Thirty-five

(35%) of the respondents belonged to the age bracket of 60-65; twenty (20%) were on the

age bracket of 66-70, 71-75 and 76-80 while only one (2.5%) were on the age bracket of

81-91 years old and above respectively.

Sex

Twenty-five (62.5%) of the respondents are female; fifteen (37.5%) are male.

Civil Status

Twenty –six (65%) of the respondents were married; fourteen (35%) were

widow/widower. This means that majority of the respondents had their family and known

their responsibility.

Educational Attainment

Ten (25%) of the respondents were high school graduate; eight (20%) had

elementary level and graduates; three (7.5%) were college level; one (2.5%) were high

school graduate and no respondents reached college graduate or undergraduate studies.

This results implies that most of the respondents are high school graduate and

they were able to understand the rules and regulations in availing senior citizen benefits.
 23

Occupation

Nine (22.5%) respondents were housewife; seven (17.5%) housekeeper and no

work; six (15%) were vendor; four (10%) furniture maker; three (7.5%) were farmer; two

(5%) were carpenter and only one (2.5%) were engaged in handicraft making in dress

maker.

This results denotes that the senior citizen is still engaged in various productive

works.

Monthly Income

Four (10%) of the respondents earned from P6,001-P9,000; six (15%) earned

from P3,001-P6,000; seven (17.5%) earned from P1,000-P3,000 while twenty three

(57.5%) had no income.

This results implies that most senior citizens do not have monthly earnings and

relied on the provision of their family.

Religion

As to their religion professed by the respondents, thirty-two (80%) were Roman

Catholic; four (10%) were Iglesia Ni Cristo; two (5%) were Church of Christ and only one

(2.5%) professed Adventist and Pentecostal.

This means that most of the respondents professed Roman Catholic.

Housing

As to their housing, majority or twenty-four (60%) of the respondents had a semi

concrete house; nine (22.5%) had concrete while only seven (17.5%) still lived in Bahay

Kubo.
 24

Living Status

As to the living status, results revealed that forty (100%) of the respondents were

living with their family.

Health Status

As to their health status, results revealed that thirty-eight (95%) of the respondents

were healthy and only two (5%) reported that unhealthy.

Benefits and Privileges availed by Senior Citizens

Table 2a. Benefits availed by Senior Citizens in Barangay Plaridel Aborlan, Palawan
How often do you avail the Mean Rating Descriptive Rating
following benefits
Medicine and Drug Purchase
3.31 Sometimes
(20%) discount
Medical Supplies, Accessories and
Equipment (Eyeglasses, hearing aids,
2.27 Rarely
Dentures, Walkers, Wheelchairs,
Diapers)
Medical and Dental Services
(Dental, Diagnostic, Laboratory, X- 3.1 Sometimes
Rays, blood-test)
Public Land Transportation privileges
(20% discount, bus, jeepneys, 1.77 Rarely
shuttles
Income tax exemption 2.65 Sometimes
Free pneumonia vaccination for
4.0 Often
indigent senior citizens
Benefits and privileges for retirees
2.45 Rarely
(SSS, GSIS, PAG-IBIG, Phil-Health

Legend:
SCALE DESCRIPTION
4.50 – 5.00 Always
3.50 – 4.49 Often
2.50 – 3.49 Sometimes
1.50 – 2.49 Rarely
1.00 – 1.50 Never
 25

Table 2a shows the benefits availed by senior citizen in Plaridel Aborlan, Palawan

and how often the respondents availed the said benefits.

Results showed that respondents rarely availed the following benefits; medical

supplies, accessories and equipment (eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, wheelchairs and

diapers (2.27), public land transportation privileges (20% discount, bus, jeepneys,

shuttles (1.77) and Benefits and privileges for retirees (SSS, GSIS, PAG-IBIG, Phil-Health)

(2.45).

In terms of benefits and availing medicine and drug purchase (20%) discount is

(3.31), medical and dental services (dental, diagnostic, laboratory, x-rays, blood-test)

(3.1), and income tax exemption (2.65) described as sometimes availed by senior citizen.

Furthermore, the rating (4.0) Free pneumonia vaccination for indigent senior

citizens described as often availed by senior citizens of Plaridel Aborlan, Palawan.

This implies results denotes that respondents did not availed all the benefits and

privileges embodied in Republic Act No. 9994.

 26

Programs/Services for the Senior Citizen availed.

Table 2b. Programs and its Services Availed by the Senior Citizen in Plaridel Aborlan,
Palawan
Do you participate in the Senior Mean Rating Descriptive Rating
Citizen Organization Activities
A. Barangay Level 4.62 Always

B. Municipal Level 4.65 Always

C. Provincial Level 5.00 Always

How often do you avail financial
assistance from?
A. Barangay Assistance 1.25 Never

B. Local Government Unit 3.00 Sometimes

C. Provincial Pension 5.00 Always

D. National Pension 5.00 Always

How often do you avail livelihood
assistance (Poultry, Kakanin, 1.00 Never
Handicraft, etc.)

Priority in Express Lanes

A. Paying Electric Bills 5.00 Always

B. Paying Water Bills 4.75 Always

C. Municipal Transaction 4.80 Always

D. Barangay Transactions 5.00 Always

Government Assistance
A. Social Pension (P500.00) 5.00 Always

B. Phil Health Coverage 5.00 Always

C. Financial Assistance (Calamities 1.00 Never
and disasters)
Financial Assistance during
Sickness:
A. Senior Citizen Organization 1.13 Never
Support
B. Barangay Support 1.25 Never

C. Municipal Support 4.12 Often

D. Department of Social Welfare and 3.37 Sometimes
Development
 27

Legend:
SCALE DESCRIPTION
4.50 – 5.00 Always
3.50 – 4.49 Often
2.50 – 3.49 Sometimes
1.50 – 2.49 Rarely
1.00 – 1.50 Never

Table 2b shows the programs/services availed by the senior citizens of Plaridel

Aborlan, Palawan and how often availed the said program and services.

In terms of participation in organization activities, the respondents always (4.62)

in barangay level, municipal level (4.65) and provincial level (5.0) it denotes that the

senior citizens actively participated in the organization activities and its level.

As to how often availed financial assistance, results revealed that senior citizen is

never (1.25) availed barangay assistance, and sometimes (3.0) for local government

unit and always (5.0) for provincial pension and national pension.

For livelihood assistance, (1.0) mean rating shows that they never availed this

service. Through this the senior citizens needed financial assistance to sustain their daily

basic needs.

Meanwhile, with regards to priority in express lanes, results revealed that they

always (5.0) for paying electric bills, (4.75) paying water bills, (4.8) municipal

transactions and barangay transactions (5.0) which described as always.

For government assistance, mean results revealed that the respondents (5.0)

always availed social pension and phil health coverage but never (1.0) for financial

assistance (calamities and disasters) because they never became a victim of any form of

disasters.
 28

For financial assistance during sickness, the senior citizen respondents revealed

that they never (1.13) availed support from senior citizens’ organizations and did not

receive any support from barangay (1.25). while they often (4.12) availed support from

municipal and (3.37) sometimes they availed from Department of Social Welfare and

Development (DSWD).
 29

Level of Satisfaction of the Senior Citizen on the Benefits/Privileges

Programs and Services offered by Government.

Table 3. Programs and its Services Availed by the Senior Citizen in Plaridel Aborlan,
Palawan
Benefits/Privileges Mean Rating Descriptive Rating

Medicine and Drug Purchase Moderately

(20%) discount 4.00
satisfied
Medical Supplies, Accessories and
Equipment (Eyeglasses, hearing aids,
Dentures, Walkers, Wheelchairs, Diapers) 4.62 Very satisfied

Medical and Dental Services

(Dental, Diagnostic, Laboratory, X-Rays, 5.00 Very satisfied
blood-test)
Public Land Transportation privileges
(20% discount, bus, jeepneys, shuttles 4.5 Very satisfied
Income tax exemption 3.37 Less satisfied
Free pneumonia vaccination for indigent
senior citizens 1.00 Very dissatisfied
Benefits and privileges for retirees
5.00 Very satisfied
(SSS, GSIS, PAG-IBIG, Phil-Health

PROGRAMS/SERVICES

The senior citizens organization activities Moderately

4.25
Satisfied
The livelihood assistance given to the
1.00 Very dissatisfied
senior citizens
The assistance given during sickness Moderately
4.25
satisfied
Priority in express lanes
5.00 Very satisfied
Legend:

SCALE DESCRIPTION
4.50 – 5.00 Very Satisfied
3.50 – 4.49 Moderately Satisfied
2.50 – 3.49 Satisfied
1.50 – 2.49 Dissatisfied
1.00 – 1.50 Very Dissatisfied
 30

The benefits and programs/services offered by the government 0n the following

areas rated by the respondents based on their level of satisfaction which were scaled.

Very satisfied, moderately satisfied, Satisfied Moderately dissatisfied and

Very Dissatisfied.

Table 3 shows the level of satisfaction of senior citizen on benefits offered by the

government.

With regards to the level of satisfaction of the senior citizens on benefits offered by

the government, results of the study revealed that the respondents were Very Satisfied

to the benefits offered by the government such as Medical Supplies, Accessories and

Equipment (Eyeglasses, hearing aids, Dentures, Walkers, Wheelchairs, Diapers) (4.62);

Medical and Dental Services (Dental, Diagnostic, Laboratory, X-Rays, blood-test) (5.0);

Public Land Transportation privileges (20% discount, bus, jeepneys, shuttles (4.5); and

Benefits and privileges for retirees (SSS, GSIS, PAG-IBIG, Phil-Health(5.0); however the

respondents were Moderately satisfied on Medicine and Drug Purchase(20%)

discount with a mean rating of (4.0); while some respondents revealed that they Less

satisfied (3.37) Income tax exemption and Very dissatisfied (1.0) for free pneumonia

vaccination for indigent senior citizens.

This implies that the benefits/privileges offered by the government were being

enjoyed by the senior citizens of Plaridel Aborlan, Palawan.

On the programs /services, the senior citizen’s organizations activities and

assistance given on during sickness has a mean rating of (4.25) with a descriptive rating

scale of Moderately satisfied.

However, the prioritization of senior citizen on express lanes had a mean rating

scale of (5.0) with the descriptive rating of Very satisfied. This means that the programs
 31

and services embodied in Republic Act No. 9994 were being enjoyed by the senior

citizens.

According to the neighborhood support service s in R.A 9994, the community

members should provide and have care giving services to their frail, sick or bedridden

senior citizens. Likewise, other benefits/privileges programs and services offered by the

government had rating descriptive rating of Very dissatisfied.

Data also revealed that respondents were moderately satisfied in availing the

benefits/privileges, programs and services offered by the government with a grand

mean of 3.82.
 32

Problems encountered of senior citizen in availing the benefits, programs

and services in Barangay Plaridel, Aborlan, Palawan

Table 4. Problems Encountered of Senior Citizens in availing the Benefits,

Privileges and Services in Barangay Plaridel Aborlan, Palawan.
Problems Encountered Percentage
Rank
(%)

1
A lot of documents to be filled up 100
Long process accomplishing the needed 1
100
documents
Not properly assisted in the office of senior 1
100
citizen association
2
Unapproachable staff 95
Don’t have any relatives to assist to go in 3
87.5
the office to do the requirements
Lack of requirements to avail the assistance 4
75
programs
Unaware about the different assistance 5
62.5
program for senior citizen
Lack of courage and responsibility of the 5
50
appointed leader
Physically weak in availing assistance 6
25
program
Not availing the exact amount of financial 7
0
assistance from the government

Table 4. presents the problems encountered of senior citizens in availing the

benefits and privileges and services provided by the government.

Results showed that majority or 40 (100%) of the respondents encountered that a

lot of documents to be filled up and long process accomplishing the needed documents

and not properly assisted in the office of senior citizen association which both rank 1st,

(95%) of them said that unapproachable staff were on the 2 nd rank, followed by (87.5%)

revealed that they don’t have any relatives to assist to go in the office to do the

requirements placed in rank 3rd, while (75%) said that they are lack of requirements to
 33

avail the assistance programs nominated in 4th rank, followed by 20 (50%) lack of courage

and responsibility of the appointed leader rank 5th, and 10 (25%) of them are physically

weak in availing assistance program were placed in rank 6th, while no respondents

answered that they were not availing the exact amount of financial assistance from the

government.

Results imply that older persons are neither aware of the existence of the low nor

the mechanisms on how to avail such benefits/privileges.

 34

CHAPTER V

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary

The study entitled “Level of Satisfaction of Senior Citizens on the Benefits and

Privileges availed under R.A No. 9994 Senior Citizens Act in Plaridel Aborlan, Palawan

was conducted from November to December 2018. The objectives of the study were to: 1)

determine the demographic characteristics of the respondents; 2) determine the benefits,

programs and services availed by the senior citizen; 3) determine the level of satisfaction

of the senior on the benefits, programs and services offered by the government; and 4)

identify the problems encountered by the senior citizens in availing, benefits, programs

and services.

The descriptive method of research was used in the conduct of this study by

employing descriptive survey method in gathering the data needed. Forty (40) senior

citizens residing in four purok’s in Plaridel Aborlan, Palawan were selected as

respondents of the study.

The survey questionnaire was used in gathering the needed information for the

study which was prepared in English as a guide for data gathering. It was composed of

four (4) parts first part dealt with the profile of the respondents, second part contained

the benefits, programs and services availed by the senior citizen; third part focused on the

level of satisfaction of senior citizen on benefits/programs, services offered by the

government and the last part concerned with the problems encountered by the senior

citizen availing the benefits/programs services offered by the government.

The statistical tool used in analyzing the data were frequency counts, percentages,

rank and means.

 35

Result of the study revealed that majority (35%) of the respondents were under

the age bracket of 60-65 years old and female (62.5%). Most of them were married (65%),

the highest educational attainment reached by the respondents was high school level (8

with 25%). Most of them had no occupations (7 with 17.5%) and without regular income

(23 with 57.5%). Professed with Roman Catholic religion (32 with 80%) with a type of

semi concrete house (24 with 60%) living with their family (40 with 100%) and most of

them were healthy (38 with 95%).

On the level of satisfaction of the senior citizens, the study revealed that the

Medical and Dental Services, (Dental, Diagnostic, Laboratory, X-Rays, blood-test),

Medical Supplies, Accessories and Equipment (Eyeglasses, hearing aids, Dentures,

Walkers, Wheelchairs, Diapers), Public Land Transportation privileges (20% discount,

bus, jeepneys, shuttles and Benefits and privileges for retirees (SSS, GSIS, PAG-IBIG,

Phil-Health were very satisfactory availed by the respondents. On the other hand, the

senior citizen was very dissatisfied with free pneumonia vaccination for indigent senior

citizens.

Further, results revealed that problems encountered by senior citizen in availing

the programs/benefits and services offered by the government were the following 40

(100%) a lot of documents to be filled up and long process accomplishing the needed

documents and not properly assisted in the office of senior citizen association, 40 (100%);

unapproachable staff (95%); no relatives to assist to go in the office to do the

requirements, while (87.5%) ; lack of requirements to avail the assistance programs, (75);

Unaware about the different assistance program for senior citizen, (62.5%); lack of
 36

courage and responsibility of the appointed leader, (50%) and physically weak in availing

assistance program, (25%).

Conclusion

Based on the findings of the study, the researchers have drawn the following

conclusions:

Presently, the respondents availed and enjoyed 20% discount in public land

transportation and Philhealth from the benefits. They actively participated in barangay,

provincial and national level activities because it contributed for the improvement of their

social aspects and in any civic association for the upliftment of their constituents and be

productive as citizens of the community where they were residing.

Furthermore, the respondents revealed the following findings that the other

benefits and privileges embodied and implemented in R.A 9994 by the respondents with

the descriptive rating of Moderately satisfied.

The factors affecting the respondents availment of the benefits and privileges such

as not enjoying financial assistance given by the government. Thus, informing the

government and other institutions catering the senior citizens is very important, so they

will know the situations and subsequently plan for the betterment of the elders.
 37

BIBLIOGRAPHY

WEBSITES

Benefits for Senior Citizen. (n.d). Retrieved from

https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/services/senior-citizens/ - Accessed on
November 22, 2018

Balikbayan Media Center. Privileges for Senior Citizens & Retirees in the
Philippines. Retrieved from
http://www.balikbayanmagazine.com/lifestyle/retirement/privileges-for-
senior-citizens-retirees-in-the-philippines/- Accessed on November15, 2018

Impact of the expanded senior citizens law. (July 27, 2010). Retrieved from
http://tucp.org.ph/2010/07/impact-of-the-expanded-senior-citizens-law/

ELECTRONIC JOURNALS

Borrico CBC, Arias EA (2018) Association of Perception of Aging of Senior

Citizen to Level of Awareness on their Rights, Benefits and Privileges and Living
Arrangements. J Aging Sci 6: 186. doi:10.4172/2329-8847.1000186. Retrieved
from https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/association-of-perception-of-
aging-of-senior-citizen-to-level-ofawareness-2329-8847-1000186.pdf -
Accessed on November 8, 2018

Mamauag, Minnie (2014). Social Welfare Program (R.A. 9994): Exploring Senior
Citizen’s Experiences through Self-Disclosure and Feedback. CNU Journal of
Higher Education. Retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281371345_Social_Welfare_Progra
m_RA_9994_Exploring_Senior_Citizen's_Experiences_through_Self-
Disclosure_and_Feedback - Accessed on November 24, 2018

Savella, Marilou R. (2017). Awareness and Implementation of the Expanded

Senior Citizen Act of 2010(RA 9994). International Journal of Scientific &
Engineering Research Volume 8, Issue 12, pp 367-374. Retrieved from
https://www.ijser.org/researchpaper/Awareness-and-Implementation-of-the-
Expanded-Senior-Citizen-Act-of-2010-RA-9994.pdf - Accessed on November
28, 2018

Sosa-Malabanan, Sophronia, Privileges and Benefits Granted by Philippine Laws

to the Senior Citizens in Calabarzon (June 30, 2016). International Journal of
 38

Environment, Ecology, Family and Urban Studies (IJEEFUS) ISSN(P): 2250-

0065; ISSN(E): 2321-0109 Vol. 6, Issue 3, Jun 2016, 75- 80. Available at SSRN:
https://ssrn.com/abstract=2838624 – Accessed on November 22, 2018.
 39

APPENDICES
 40

SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE
LEVEL OF SATISFACTION OF SENIOR CITIZENS ON THE BENEFITS AND
PRIVILEGES AVAILED UNDER R.A. 9994 SENIOR CITIZEN ACT
IN PLARIDEL ABORLAN, PALAWAN

PART I. Profile of the Respondents

Instruction: Write your answers on the space provided. Put a check (✓) on the box
provided corresponding to your answer.

Name(optional): ______________________________

Age: ( ) 60 – 65 years old

( ) 66– 70 years old
( ) 71 – 75 years old
( ) 76 – 80 years old
( ) 81 – 90 years old
( ) 91 and above

Gender: ( ) Male ( ) Female

Civil Status: ( ) Single

( ) Married
( ) Widow/Widower
( ) Separated
( ) Common Law
( ) Other pls. specify: __________________________

Educational Attainment
( ) Elementary Level
( ) Elementary Graduate
( ) High School Level
( ) High School Graduate
( ) College Level
( ) College Graduate
( ) Graduate (MS/PhD)
( ) Others please specify
______________________

Occupation: ( ) Farmer
( ) Handicraft making
( ) Dress Maker
( ) Vendor
( ) Public Servant
( ) Other pls specify: _____________________

Religion ( ) Roman Catholic ( ) Baptist

( ) Born Again ( ) Iglesia Ni Cristo
( ) Islam ( ) Other pls specify: ______________
 41

Ethnicity ( ) Ilonggo ( ) Tagalog

( ) Cuyunon ( ) Ilocano
( ) Tagbanua ( ) Other pls. specify: _____________

Housing ( ) Concrete
( ) Semi-concrete
( ) Bahay Kubo
( ) Other pls specify: __________________

Living Status ( ) Living with their family

( ) Living with relatives
( ) Living with friends and peers
( ) Living alone
( ) Other pls specify: __________________

Health Status
( ) Healthy
( ) Unhealthy
Do you undergo medical check-up in:
__ Daily basis
__ Weekly basis
__ Monthly basis
__ Annual basis
__ Other pls. specify: ____________________

PART II. A. Benefits availed of the Senior Citizen

Instructions: Please put a checkmark (✓) corresponding to your response using the
scale below
SCALE DESCRIPTION
5 Always
4 Often
3 Sometimes
2 Rarely
1 Never

How often do you avail the

1 2 3 4 5 Problems Encountered
following benefits?
Medicine and Drug Purchase
(20%) discount
Medical Supplies, Accessories
and Equipment (Eyeglasses,
hearing aids, Dentures, Walkers,
Wheelchairs, Diapers)
Medical and Dental Services
 42

(Dental, Diagnostic, Laboratory,

X-Rays, blood-test)
Public Land Transportation
privileges (20% discount, bus,
jeepneys, shuttles
Income tax exemption
Free pneumonia vaccination for
indigent senior citizens
Benefits and privileges for
retirees
(SSS, GSIS, PAG-IBIG, Phil-
Health

PART II. B. Programs/Services for the Senior Citizen availed.

Instructions: Please put a checkmark (✓) corresponding to your response using the
scale below
SCALE DESCRIPTION
5 Always
4 Often
3 Sometimes
2 Rarely
1 Never

PROGRAMS/SERVICES 1 2 3 4 5 Problems Encountered

Do you participate in the
Senior Citizen Organization
Activities?
D. Barangay Level
E. Municipal Level
F. Provincial Level

How often do you avail

financial assistance from?
E. Barangay Assistance
F. Local Government Unit
G. Provincial Pension
H. National Pension

How often do you avail

livelihood assistance
(Poultry, Kakanin,
Handicraft, etc.)
 43

Priority in Express Lanes

E. Paying Electric Bills
F. Paying Water Bills
G. Municipal Transaction
H. Barangay Transactions

Government Assistance
D. Social Pension (P500.00)
E. Phil Health Coverage
F. Financial Assistance
(Calamities and
disasters)

Financial Assistance during

Sickness:
E. Senior Citizen
Organization Support
F. Barangay Support
G. Municipal Support
H. Department of Social
Welfare and
Development

PART III. Level of Satisfaction of the Senior Citizen on the

Benefits/Privileges Programs and Services offered by Government.
Instructions: Please put a checkmark (✓) corresponding to your response using the
scale below
SCALE DESCRIPTION
5 Very Satisfied
4 Moderately Satisfied
3 Satisfied
2 Dissatisfied
1 Very Dissatisfied

How Satisfied are you with

the following Benefits/
Privileges, Programs and 1 2 3 4 5 Problems Encountered
Services offered by the
Government
Medicine and Drug Purchase
 44

(20%) discount
Medical Supplies, Accessories
and Equipment (Eyeglasses,
hearing aids, Dentures, Walkers,
Wheelchairs, Diapers)
Medical and Dental Services
(Dental, Diagnostic, Laboratory,
X-Rays, blood-test)
Public Land Transportation
privileges (20% discount, bus,
jeepneys, shuttles
Income tax exemption
Free pneumonia vaccination for
indigent senior citizens
Benefits and privileges for
retirees
(SSS, GSIS, PAG-IBIG, Phil-
Health

PROGRAMS/SERVICES
The senior citizens organization
activities
The livelihood assistance given
to the senior citizens
The assistance given during
sickness
Priority in express lanes

PART IV. Problems encountered of senior citizen in availing the benefits,

programs and services in Barangay Plaridel, Aborlan, Palawan
Directions: Please put a checkmark (✓) corresponds to the problems that you
encountered in availing the assistance programs by the Barangay PlaridelAborlan,
Palawan under R.A. 9994.

What problems have you

encountered in availing the
YES NO Problems Encountered
Benefits, Programs and Services
offered by the Government
Lack of requirements to avail the
assistance programs
Unaware about the different
assistance program for senior citizen
A lot of documents to be filled up
Don’t have any relatives to assist to go
in the office to do the requirements
 45

Long process accomplishing the

needed documents
Not properly assisted in the office of
senior citizen association
Physically weak in availing assistance
program
Lack of courage and responsibility of
the appointed leader
Not availing the exact amount of
financial assistance from the
government
Unapproachable staff

Thank you for your cooperation

God Bless!!!