THE OFFICE of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) is exploring more job opportunities for the elderly beyond the giant fast-food chains that initially committed to participating in the program.
OSCA Head Lorenzo Borja said talks with companies outside the food chain industry are underway.
“The office is set to meet with large establishments to open potential job opportunities for our able senior citizens, other than food chains,” Borja said during the iSpeak Media Forum on Thursday.
This is to support the Senior Citizens Work Opportunity Ordinance approved by the 20th City Council.
The ordinance provides authority to the local chief executive to sign a memorandum of agreement with Jollibee and McDonald’s, two of the largest food chains in the city, to hire able elderly as crew.
While the agreement is yet to be signed, OSCA reported that the acceptance rate of the initiative among the senior citizens is high.
Prior to the passage of the ordinance, SM Malls already hired senior citizens as utility workers.
He added that their workload is not heavy, as these are short shifts of about three to four hours.
Borja revealed that NCCC, a homegrown retail chain, has shown interest in hiring from the sector.
While the ordinance also provides incentives to private companies that hire seniors, Borja said some companies have expressed intent regardless of the incentives.
OSCA will coordinate with the Public Employment Service Office following the finalization of the terms and conditions and the ordinance’s implementing rules and regulations.
File photo courtesy of Jollibee
