Philippine News Agency | October 2, 2013

MANILA, Philippines - The country’s mass rail systems on Tuesday announced that senior citizens will have a chance to enjoy free rides on any of the three train lines on Saturday, October 5.

According to the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), its Lines 1 and 2 will offer the free rides to senior citizens starting from their first commercial trip at 5 a.m. up to the last trip at 9:30 p.m.

The Metro Rail Transit Corporation, which operates MRT 3 along EDSA, will also offer the same benefits for the elderly starting at 5:30 a.m. up to its last trip at 10:30 p.m.

These are both in line with the celebration of the annual Elderly Filipino Week which is celebrated October 1 to 7.

The elderly are required to present their senior citizen's identification cards to avail of the free rides.

According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Presidential Proclamation No. 470 mandates the annual celebration of Elderly Filipino Week or "Linggo ng Nakatatandang Filipino" every first week of October to emphasize the important role that older persons play in nation building, as well as raise and address issues concerning the older persons’ sector.

To mark the week-long event, the National Steering Committee chaired by DSWD will conduct activities starting with the "Walk for Life" on October 1 (Tuesday). Other activities include Forum on RA 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010; Consultative Conference for Older Persons, "Dalaw Kalinga," and "Sampung Ulirang Nakatatanda" Awards.

Senior citizens from the 17 cities and municipalities of Metro Manila will join the ‘Walk for Life” at the SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City on October 2, starting at 6 a.m. Walk for Life is held annually to enhance awareness of the public on the health concerns and well-being of older persons.

This year’s theme: “Nakatatanda: Pagtulungang Isulong Benepisyo’t Karapatan Tungo sa Maginhawa at Masayang Pamayanan” reflects the need to continuously advocate, promote, and protect the rights and welfare of older persons.