programs. From March 2018 to July 2019, a total of 45 OPOs have formulated clear Vision-Mission-Goals (VMG) Constitution and By-Laws (CBL) and can perform their own organizational assessment using the “OPO Assessment Tool.” This change is important because the Constitution and By-Laws provide them guidance in managing their organization. It will also provide OPO’s credibility when applying for legality in their respective Local Government Units and accessing funds. Secured Organisation’s Legal Identity As of February 2020, 2 out of 3 Federations covered by the project (Pambayang Pederasyon ng mga Nakatatandang Mamamayan ng Calumpit, Bulacan & Arayat Senior Citizens Association) have secured a certificate of registration from their respective municipalities. They are well recognized by the Local Government Units (LGUs). This change is important because they are now welcomed to apply for a membership to the Local Development Council as representative of the Civil Society Organization, which will give them more chance to raise their voices (issues and concerns) and be heard by the legislators once they become a member. Raised Public Awareness on the situation, rights and privileges of Older Persons Accurate information on the rights and privileges of older persons was disseminated that resulted in increased awareness, especially on Social Pension and PhilHealth programs. The dissemination was conducted through community discussions, radio program, and distribution of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials. Issues and concerns of older persons were also discussed. This facilitated the awareness of the general situation of older persons in the country. Although there was no evaluation conducted, however, the claims on increased public awareness have been mentioned by the OPO leaders themselves and the members of their respective Older Persons Organizations (OPOs) during the Linking and Learning Session and Federations Meeting. Established Accountability Mechanism (OCMC and HelpDesk) Older Citizens Monitoring Committee (OCMC) was established in three (3) municipalities – Calumpit and Hagonoy, Bulacan; and Arayat, Pampanga, as part of the Federation’s structure. The committee monitors the implementation of the social pension and PhilHealth programs and other related complaints. HelpDesk in each municipality was established where they can report complaints. HelpDesk staff will process and respond to the reported complaints. This change is important because it allows older persons to see and participate in social pension program implementation. They can directly raise their concerns and involve in resolving them. It will not only help older persons but at the same time helping the government to provide a more responsive program for older persons. Installed Database for Older Persons Computer sets were provided to the partner municipalities through the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) where the database was installed. A total of 29,557 older persons (9,486 from Arayat, Pampanga; 9,726 from Calumpit; and 10,345 from Hagonoy, Bulacan) registered to the Senior Citizens Registration and Information System (SCRIS). The said database provides comprehensive information of older persons that can be a basis in developing policies and programs for older persons. The use of consultation or involving the rightsholders groups was the most successful influencing approach used for this project. It provides power to the rightsholders groups (both older persons & LGUs) to effectively engage in the process. Dialogues were also utilized to establish a connection/partnership between the Older Persons’ Organizations and the Local Government Units. This partnership was maximized as an opportunity to discuss and address certain issues/concerns of older persons.
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