Deputy Permanent Representative Kira Christianne D. Azucena delivers the Philippine Statement at the 10^th Session of the OEWGA at the UNHQ in New York on 15 April 2019 highlighting Philippine programs for older persons

15 April 2019, New York – Speaking at the 10^th Session of the Open-ended Working Group on Ageing at the United Nations on 15 April 2019, Chargé d’ affaires, a.i. and Deputy Permanent Representative 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.

CDA 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.

PH conveyed 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.

The 10^th 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.

As PH advocates for the rights of older persons and remains committed in strengthening the promotion of all their human rights, DPR 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 (NHRIs), and non-government organizations attended the event. - END