Ambassador Junever Mahilum-West welcomed Filipino community leaders and members to a lively forum on issues and concerns of seniors in France.
25 April 2025. She highlighted the situation of Filipino workers employed as housekeepers, caregivers, and babysitters whose jobs are physically labor intensive that can cause health related problems. She mentioned the national aspiration for employment abroad to be driven by choice and not by necessity. That the obligation to help our families in the Philippines financially is a heavy responsibility and we forget to fulfill our own needs in the process. She then welcomed Ms. Sally Rousset as the moderator, and the resource speakers who focused on preventive measures and informed choices about retirement, pensions and financial planning: Ms. Sally Rousset, Dr. Luzviminda Baranger, Ms. Cornelia Mistruzzi, Ms. Rosemarie Chazelas, Ms. Zita Cabais, DMW Labor Attache Atty. Angela Librado Trinidad, and DMW OWWA Officer Verusckha Ardel Maling.
In her introduction, Consul General Noemi Diaz focused on Philippine laws on senior citizens.
That a senior citizen means any resident citizen of the Philippines who is at least 60 years of age, and that the laws have evolved to grant more benefits to respond to changing needs and according to available resources. The Expanded Senior Citizens Act afforded more benefits, increased the monthly social pension and mandated free membership in PhilHealth.
Deputy Chief of Mission Eric Gerardo Tamayo summed up the discussion in his concluding remarks.
He pointed out 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. A shared responsibility that 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 added that with the ongoing overseas voting, we can remain engaged in shaping our country's future.
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, took questions and called on the resource speakers for responses.
Dr. Luzvimihda Baranger spoke about aging health concerns, preventive health measures.
Ms. Nelia Mistruzzi explained the French health system, social services and repatriation.
Ms. Rosemarie Chazelas presented the French retirement system, programs and intricacies.
Ms. Zita Cabais provided information on common concerns encountered and provided advice.
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.END.
