Job opportunities for senior citizens

CEBU, Philippines —  To provide job opportunities for the elderlies, the Cebu City government has created a project called Shopee or Seniors’ Healthy Opportunity to Productive Employment and Empowerment.

The project targets to tap the potentials of the elderlies and re-integrate them into the society as productive individuals.

“The opportunity for improvement and work does not only belong to the young people, but also to the elderly citizens of the city,” said Mayor Edgardo Labella.

Aside from providing employment, the project also aims to capacitate and empower the elderly sector.

The city’s Department of Manpower Development and Placement (DMDP) has partnered with the fast food industry to realize the project.

Requirements

To apply, a senior citizen must be a resident and registered voter of the city.

He or she must pass the physical, medical and laboratory examinations, as well as get a permit certifying that he/she is fit to work.

Also, the applicant must be “willing and able” to be trained and must have good communication skills.

Being able to work under pressure for a maximum of four hours a day is also a requirement since senior citizens are scheduled to work from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon or 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Interested senior citizens may visit the DMDP office on the second floor of the Ramos Market building and bring their senior citizen identification card, barangay certification, and resume.

A DMDP focal person will conduct the initial interview and profiling.

Those who pre-qualify will be recommended to undergo a free physical, medical, and laboratory examination at the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC).

Once issued with a fit to work certificate, they will be directed to the City Health Department for the issuance of the Mayor’s Occupational Permit.

An endorsement letter will be given to the qualified senior citizens for them to proceed to the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) for the issuance of a police clearance.

The DMDP focal person will then endorse them to the training division, where they will be scheduled for a two-day training for basic communication skills, industry knowledge on tourism, food handling and food safety, ABCs of image, obligations of the employee, and basics of customer service.

After the training, the focal person will issue an endorsement letter to the possible employer. DMDP and the employer will sign a memorandum of agreement for the duration of the senior citizen’s employment.

The employer shall submit a placement report to DMDP 30 days after the employment of the senior citizen.  KQD (FREEMAN)