‘Elders contribute more to nation building’

MANILA, Philippines - Former senator Ramon Magsaysay Jr. believes that senior citizens should remain productive members of society and not just fade into the sunset after reaching the age of retirement.

Magsaysay, who entered the Senate in 1995 at the age of 56, said he is proof that senior citizens remain very productive and could contribute a lot more to nation building.

“At this age, military and police personnel are still at the prime of their life, they are still very competent to render their expertise and skills. We have to get the most out of their experience, leadership and proficiency and harness them to orient young people and guide them into productive endeavors,” said Magsaysay, now 74, and again running for senator under the administration’s Team PNoy.

According to Magsaysay, public and private companies could tap the services of seniors to train young people in all fields such as agriculture, public works, labor and even forestry.

Since the pension received by most retirees do not amount to much, Magsaysay said that a modest stipend for the work of the seniors would mean a lot to them as an additional source of income.