Under Ordinance No. 2023-047, also known as the Naga City Senior Citizens Productivity Ordinance, the City Government has established a landmark framework to empower the elderly. This guide outlines how senior citizens can re-enter the workforce and what incentives are available for the businesses that hire them.

1. Who is Eligible?

To qualify for the benefits and protections under this ordinance, an individual must meet the following criteria:

• Age: At least sixty (60) years old.
• Residency: Must be a resident of Naga City.
• Registration: Must be duly registered with the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA).
• Capability: Must be able and willing to obtain gainful employment.

2. Employment Opportunities

The ordinance strongly encourages both public and private entities to allocate at least 5% of their job slots to senior citizens. Employment can be:

• Full-time
• Part-time: Minimum of four (4) days per week.

3. Government Assistance for Job Seekers

The City Government has removed several financial barriers to help seniors get back to work:

• Fee Waivers: Fees for documents needed for hiring (ID proofs, clearances, and certifications) are waived.
• Job Matching: The Public Employment Services Office (PESO) provides active job matching and facilitation services
• Skills Training: OSCA and METRO PESO provide training programs, including computer literacy and vocational skills, to ensure seniors remain competitive in the modern workplace.

4. Incentives for Employers

Private companies that hire senior citizens can benefit significantly:

• Tax Deductions: Employers are entitled to an additional deduction from their gross income equivalent to 15% of the total salaries paid to senior citizens (provided the employment lasts at least six months and the senior’s income is within the poverty threshold).
• Annual Recognition: The city holds an annual recognition ceremony for individuals and institutions that actively support the employment of the elderly.

5. Worker Protections and Prohibitions

The ordinance ensures that senior citizens are treated with dignity and safety:

• No Discrimination: Employers cannot discriminate in terms of compensation or promotion based on age.
• Safe Tasks: Assigning tasks that are hazardous or beyond the physical capability of the senior is strictly prohibited.
• No Forced Lay-offs: Companies are forbidden from firing an employee solely due to their age.

6. How to Apply

1. Register at OSCA: Ensure your Senior Citizen ID is updated and you are on the city’s official list.
2. Visit METRO PESO: Head to the Public Employment Services Office at City Hall for profiling and job matching.
3. Secure Documentation: Request your waived clearances and certifications specifically for your job application.
4. Contract Signing: Ensure your employment contract is duly notarized (indigent seniors can have this notarized for free by the city).

For more information, interested seniors or employers may visit the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) or the METRO PESO at the Naga City Hall Compound.