Ambassador Junever Mahilum-West welcomed Filipino community leaders and members to a lively forum on issues and concerns of seniors in France.
Paris, 25 April 2025. Ambassador Junever Mahilum-West and Consul General Noemi Diaz welcomed Filipino community leaders and members to a well-attended forum addressing concerns pertaining to aging and retirement among Filipinos in France.
In her remarks, the Ambassador drew attention to the physical and psychological demands faced by many Filipino workers in caregiving, housekeeping, and childcare roles. She underscored the national aspiration for overseas work to become a matter of choice rather than necessity, noting that the financial burden of supporting families back home often causes individuals to neglect their own needs. She emphasized the importance of planning ahead with care and dignity.
In her introduction, Consul General Noemi Diaz focused on Philippine laws on senior citizens. A senior citizen means any resident citizen of the Philippines who is at least 60 years of age. She noted that the laws have evolved to grant more benefits to respond to changing needs and in accordance with available resources. The Expanded Senior Citizens Act increased the monthly social pension and mandated free membership in PhilHealth.
Labor Attache Attorney Angela Labrado-Trinidad of the Department of Migrant Workers joined the Philippine Embassy to explain the services of the DMW office in Madrid which covers France. She explained DMW’s view that overseas Filipinos, rather than being relegated to merely recipients of assistance, have a valuable role to play as a precious resource, being breadwinners in the migration cycle. Labatt Labrado-Trinidad presented the reintegration program for returning overseas workers and explained the role of DMW which caters to the whole range of matters related to overseas employment. “Overseas Filipino Worker” is defined as someone employed overseas where she or he is not a permanent resident or citizen. The concerns of senior citizens are relevant to DMW’s objective to create programs that will fit accordingly. The National Reintegration Center Office advocates for brain gain, inviting elderly migrants going back to the Philippines to share expertise and skills honed abroad.
Deputy Chief of Mission Eric Gerardo Tamayo summed up the discussions in his concluding remarks. He noted that the legal frameworks in the Philippines and in France remind us that aging well is not just a personal goal but a societal commitment; that there is a shared hope to age in strength, in dignity and in the company of a caring community. This shared responsibility is rooted in compassion, and strengthened by information and solidarity. He quoted the French saying “we do not grow old, we mature” and Filipinos say “May ginto sa bibig ng matanda.” As we look to the future, growing old does not mean growing distant from the life of our nation. He urged the elderly to remain active and engaged in shaping our country's future, as presently exemplified in overseas voting.
Presentation of Certificates of Appreciation by Deputy Chief of Mission Eric Gerardo Tamayo and Consul General Noemi Diaz:
Ms. Sally Rousset, Moderator, who presented the objectives of each roundtable discussion, presided over the question-and-answer session.
Dr. Luzvimihda Baranger spoke about health concerns in aging and preventive health measures.
Ms. Nelia Mistruzzi explained the French health system, social services and repatriation services.
Ms. Rosemarie Chazelas presented the French retirement system, programs and procedures.
Ms. Zita Cabais provided information on common concerns encountered and provided advice on dealing with them.
Prof. Lira de Demo focused on the need for practical financial planning and opportunities.
Atty. Angela Librado-Trinidad, Labor Attache, Department of Migrant Workers, discussed the Philippine Reintegration Program for retirement procedures and reintegration.
Ms. Verusckha Ardel Maling, OWWA Officer-in-Charge, Department of Migrant Workers, Madrid gave an overview of OWWA membership benefits, programs, and procedures.
