More employment opportunities will now be available for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Cebu City after the local government formalized new agreements under its Inclusive Employment Program.
The latest Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), signed yesterday at City Hall, ensures that qualified seniors and PWDs will be given the chance to work in participating establishments across the city.
Mayor Nestor Archival, who led the signing, said the program is a ‘spark’ toward his administration’s vision of a ‘Sustainable, Smart, and Inclusive Cebu City’ by 2035.
‘In Cebu City, inclusiveness means ensuring that our seniors and PWDs remain active, productive, and valued members of the community,’ he remarked.
Archival added that requests from senior citizens to extend the age limit beyond 65 years would be considered, provided the applicants are capable of performing the work.
The latest MOA was entered into with Jollibee Foods Corporation, which committed 36 of its stores-including Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, and Burger King-to participate in the program.
More than 100 beneficiaries per batch are expected to be hired.
Company representatives stressed that there is no strict age cap for senior citizens who apply, as long as they are physically capable of performing the required tasks.
Cebu City is among the local government units in the Visayas implementing inclusive employment programs with major fast-food chains.
Earlier, McDonald’s Philippines also extended opportunities to seniors and PWDs in its Cebu branches.
The initiative builds on national legislation such as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 and the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, which mandate equal opportunities and encourage private corporations to hire from marginalized sectors.
Cebu City has also passed an ordinance granting tax incentives to businesses that employ seniors, PWDs, and returning citizens.
Archival emphasized that inclusive employment is about more than financial aid.
‘Atong pag-atiman sa atong senior citizens ug PWDs dili lang kutob sa ayuda. We must create opportunities where they can continue to contribute, earn, and feel valued,’ he said, thanking the private sector for its commitment.
The city’s Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS), Department of Welfare and Urban Poor (DWUP), Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC), and the Office for Senior Citizens’ Affairs (OSCA) are expected to play key roles in the implementation.