BALANGA CITY — The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bataan on Saturday announced that it has passed two ordinances and approved by the governor that will give benefits to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and World War II veterans.
SP secretary Atty. Mark Lorenz Quezon said the first ordinance covered the integration of resident senior citizens and PWDs in the workforce of the province through capacity building and provision of incentives for employers. This was authored and sponsored by SP members Jomar Gaza and Joseph Valdecanas and unanimously approved by all the 10 board members.
The Public Service employment Office and other relevant offices are tasked to come up with trainings and other capacity-building programs and activities for senior citizens and PWDs which would enhance and strengthen their capacity and qualifications for employment.
It will be unlawful for private business establishments and government agencies to refuse employment to senior citizens and PWDs who are possessed with mental and/or physical fitness necessary for the nature of work being applied for, solely on account of their being a senior citizen or PWD.
The provincial government shall formally recognize private business establishments and government agencies fully complying with the provisions of this ordinance and related laws and provide them with incentives.
The second ordinance is the declaration of living Bataeño WWII veterans as living treasures and symbol of courage, bravery and sacrifice and institutionalizing the benefits accorded to them by the provincial government in recognition of their significant contributions to and sacrifices in defense of the country and the province.
“We pay homage to their legacy and ensure that their bravery will not be forgotten,” SP presiding officer Vice Gov. Ma. Cristina Garcia said.
Under the ordinance, every living WWII veteran is entitled to P15,000 in cash annually, to be given during the April 9 Araw ng Kagitingan commemoration. Record showed that there are presently 36 WWII veterans still alive.
Living veterans are also given rice subsidy of P3,000 each three times a year while spouses of deceased veterans are entitled to P1,500- worth of rice three times annually.
Living WWII veterans are given medicine subsidy by the provincial government depending on their actual need but not to exceed P5,000 every month subject to availability of funds.
This ordinance was authored by SP member Jomar Gaza and sponsored by Gaza and SP member Maria Margarita Roque.
Gov. Jose Enrique Garcia III approved both ordinances.
