Malabon City elders lead fulfilling retirement duties

While the “twilight years” are commonly associated with a sedentary phase of occasional discounted perks and health issues, the City of Malabon is championing an initiative that breaks the stereotypes of aging — by hiring seniors as active and vigilant safe keepers in the barangays.

Formed last 2 July to help provide eligible elders with part-time jobs as barangay safety partners, the Senior Patrollers program currently has 336 active senior members assigned at the different schools and campuses throughout the city.

Working an average of two hours twice a week except Fridays (with at least 12 persons assigned in pairs on a three-shift rotation per school), the Senior Patrollers’ main responsibilities include helping schoolchildren carry their bags and keeping them safe while crossing the streets.

Beyond their scope of work, Senior Patrollers more effectively function as crusaders of road safety, discipline and traffic rules; they also become the first responders during accidents and other mishaps.

ELDERS play a crucial role in the City of Malabon. Technically meant to retire two years ago, Gregorio V. Lulu of barangay San Agustin is more than enthusiastic in fulfilling his new role as senior patroller.

“Before landing this stint, my typical day includes fetching my grandchild to and from the school and buying supplies from the market. Now, I feel much healthier and active. I always excitedly look forward to my shift,” he said.

A former security guard, Lolita Sta. Maria, still active at 70 years old, is elated to add another feather in her cap as she continues doing similar functions as a senior patroller at Dela Paz Elementary School in San Agustin.

“I’m very happy to be given this opportunity. This made me realize that I still have the capacity to serve my community; that I still have a purpose in this life. Also, I’m pleased to know that Malabonian kids, even drivers, are more obedient, disciplined and respectful towards their elders. Schoolchildren, who would call me ‘lola’ (grandmother) or ‘nanay’ (mother) and make mano (a sign of respect by putting the elder’s hand on the forehead while bowing) to us, learn about respect and values,” she said.

While helping guard the schools and leading the kids to safe crossing as well as pedestrians and motorists in the streets is challenging, the “youngest” lola, 61-year-old Lorna Lota of barangay Tañong, regards patrolling as an enjoyable pastime that it no longer feels like a job.

“We feel greatly appreciated, respected and loved. That, I believe, is the most satisfying part of our job,” added Teresita Hernandez, 66 years old, also of Tañong.

Apart from the dignity in fulfilling their duties, the Senior Patrollers all have one thing in common: they are everyday “heroes” who strive to contribute to society whatever and whenever they can; eager to showcase their best to inspire, guide and serve fellow Malabonians and the city in general.

As of June, population of Malabon seniors is at 41,162. To meet the needs of this segment of the population, the Malabon City government has implemented programs to create a nurturing environment for the elders.

Seeing the significant strides and accomplishments of the elders, Malabon Mayor Antolin “LenLen” Oreta III heaped praise on the Senior Patrollers. The ongoing program, he said, is part of his administration’s core development agenda to make Malabon a progressive, “age-friendly” city that not only takes care of the elderly but one that recognizes their contributions to the community.

“The Senior Patrollers program was inspired by our vacation in Japan. My wife Melissa and I saw old folks helping students to cross the streets. From there, we thought, ‘Why not do it in Malabon, as well?’ This will add life to their years as well as years to their life so to speak, as such program will change the way elders are seen, making them productive members of society once more.”

With the overwhelming response towards the Senior Patrollers Program, Oreta said they are looking at the possibility of hiring more elder agents to watch over the day care centers and high schools in the city.

This move, Oreta added, is a reminder to everyone, especially the younger generation, to never disregard their elders; that despite their seeming frailty, the old carry with them abounding wisdom and experiences — a wealth of exemplary values that will benefit the entire Malabon community.

“In this modern age, we should always remind our youth that they no longer need to look far and wide in search of an idol or a role-model. They have our elders, like our valiant Senior Patrollers, as everyday heroes to look up to,” he concluded.