MANILA, Philippines – As part of the Elderly Filipino Week celebration this October, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) paid tribute to 50 elderly agrarian reform beneficiaries in Quezon province, for their contribution in the country’s economic development and for ensuring food security for Filipinos.
“We are giving this tribute to our elderly farmers for their role in providing the Filipinos with food. At their age, they are still working in the fields for the country’s food supply,” said Cupido Gerry Asuncion, DAR 4-A (Calabarzon) director.
“Despite the limitations and obstacles caused by various circumstances like the pandemic, many senior citizens, especially elderly farmers, continue to work for their families, and contribute to their communities, and the country,” Asuncion added.
Each recognized farmer was also given a P1,000 gift pack containing adult milk, a towel, a toothbrush, toothpaste, bath soap, alcohol, and biscuits.
A study by the University of the Philippines Los Baños last year showed that the average age of the Filipino farmer is 53 years old.
The DAR had expressed its plans to provide farmers with medical assistance through a partnership with the Department of Health.
Source: Philippine News Agency