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Republic of the Philippines

Ilocos Sur Community College

Bantay, Ilocos Sur

Elderly Adult Program

In partial fulfilment of the requirements to the subject

Clinical Practicum

(Clinical Health Management)

Presented to:

Mr. Paul Mark Pilar

Andres, Crissa Mae

Carino, Analyn

Farinas, Catherine

Gaspar, Angelica

Mangrubang, Janna Shane

Martinez, Edwinalyn

Serrano, Mayflor

Serrano, Rona Mae

Sol, Liezel Angeline

Sol, Vener
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I. Introduction

Background

Older adults' well-being and quality of life become more important as society ages.

Specialized programs for elderly individuals have evolved as an essential approach to

meeting their unique needs and challenges. The environment of older adults affects their

whole well-being. Studies showed that the elderly living alone were of low socio-economic

strata, isolated, lonely, had poorer lifestyle practices, and decreased physical capacity and

psychological well-being, resulting in lower self-health rating and quality of life. (Moncatar

et al., 2019). With this, many problems about the aging population emerged. Already, more

and more Filipinos are being compelled to deal with the issue of aging in the country.

Whereas 11 employed people could be counted on to support an elderly 20 years ago, the

cost-sharing has now been whittled down to six. As Filipino values continue to keep older

adults part of the family unit, the above represents an almost doubling expense for a working

family member to provide for a senior citizen's care. Health maintenance is considered one of

the most significant expenses, reaching levels that could soon be regarded as untenable

(Gamboa, 2022). An elderly adult program, often called a senior program or senior center, is

a community-based initiative designed to provide services, activities, and support for older

adults. Local governments mainly offer the Elderly Adult Programs to provide care and

services for the elderly citizens of their municipality. It is helpful not only for the elderly but

also for their families since they are pretty busy providing proper care and attention to their

elderly loved ones. It may be the sad reality that we need to accept. With the help of these

implemented programs, the elderly can still enjoy their simple lives only by participating in

them. Although older Filipinos acknowledge the physical and functional declines that might

occur with increasing age, they view aging in a more positive light due to the respect and

dignity attained with maturation (Badana, 2018). As we all know, we have an increasing
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aging population in different countries, and the elderly adult programs are one of the most

effective solutions for the social problem. The moment that these programs were created, the

elderly felt significant again. They can offer different services for free, such as providing

primary care, food, utilities, and other needs of the elderly. They can also offer light yet

interactive and enjoyable activities that will surely boost the joy and contentment that the

elderly contain. They also help in creating exercise programs to keep the body healthy. They

promote healthy interactions so that the elderly may not feel outcast and neglected by society

because they often feel alone. Some choose to isolate themselves since they believe they are

irrelevant since they are aged. Healthcare is the common goal that the Elderly Adult

Programs wanted to achieve. These programs are significant because they promote social

relationships and physical, mental, and emotional well-being and offer crucial tools and

assistance. The activities they offer will help to foster a healthy environment that can prevent

different kinds of diseases from polluting the elderly community. For them, it is essential

always to prioritize the health of the elderly since they are prone to diseases. These programs

provide chances for lifelong learning and skill improvement. Even if they were old

individuals, they could still participate in activities that require younger strength because

these programs will make it happen. They wanted to give the elderly a sense of success since

they were losing their confidence to do the things they used to love. Programs for senior

citizens act as essential information and support centers. They can offer counselling

regardless of the issue. These programs help improve seniors' general well-being and

guarantee daily access to the resources they need. Elderly Adult Programs aim to preserve the

respect that the elderly deserve. They support a comforting and welcoming background so the

elderly can feel their sense of belonging. They can help when it comes to adjustments. These

programs give support to the emotional well-being of the elderly. Elderly Adult Programs

receive donors to help them support the programs financially. The government also donates
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to some organizations depending on their needs. Sometimes, they also conduct fundraising to

provide financial support to the program. Some of the Elderly Adult Programs can create and

implement virtual activities for the daily check-ups and medical consultations of the elderly.

Establishing Elderly Adult Programs in the Municipality of Cabugao is essential since

our municipality has many areas that need to improve, especially regarding the Elderly

Population. Older adults in our municipality are still working hard for financial support,

which is alarming. At 60 and above, they should be cared for by their loved ones, but

contrary to that, they are still working. The municipality of Cabugao is rich in crops and

natural resources, but the needed facilities and programs for older adults still need to be

included. The need to build more Elderly Adult Programs is high since we only know a few

for elderly assistance. If this continues, the older adults will be needing more. Since it is the

2nd most populated municipality in Ilocos Sur (PhilAtlas, 2015), this represented 5.51% of

the total population of Ilocos Sur province or 0.73% of the overall population of the Ilocos

Region.

A. Statistics

National Statistics of Elderly Population

Figure 1.

The geographic distribution of senior

folks can assist in determining how

easily they can obtain Elderly Adult

Programs in their locations. Central

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Luzon is the most populated by the elderly with 879,000 people (11.6%), Metro Manila has

850,000 elderly persons (11.3%), Western Visayas has 9.4%, Central Visayas has 8.2%,

Ilocos Region which has 6.5%, and Bicol Region which has 6.1%. Moreover, the Cordillera

Administrative Region CAR and the Bangsamoro Administrative Region or BARMM are the

least populated by the elderly at 1.8% and 1.5% (Fabonan, 2019).

Regional Statistics of Elderly Population (Ilocos Region)

Figure 2.

The elderly population in Ilocos Sur

consists of 159,163 (3.17%) residents

aged 60 to 64 years, 123,030 (2.45%)

residents with 65 to 69 yrs of age,

82,362 (1.64%) residents with 70 to

71 yrs of age, 61,471 (1.22%) residents with 75-79 yrs of age, and 67,169 (1.34%) residents

with 80 and over yrs of age (Ilocos Region (Region I) Profile – PhilAtlas, 1903). This census

was conducted in 2015 since it was the only available and credible source that was available

when we conducted our research.

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Local Statistics of Elderly Population (Cabugao, Ilocos Sur)

Figure 3.

Based on the data gathered through the

interview, this graph shows the total

number of senior citizens covered by

the program. The program covers the 33

barangays in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur.

Consisting of 2221 male senior citizens and 3235 female senior citizens. Given that, they

served 5456 clients throughout the program's implementation.

B. Significance of Elderly Population

The elderly play a significant role in our society, given that they have experienced

different cultures and traditions that they passed on to the next generations. As time passes,

we tend to forget the fundamental importance of our elderly citizens to our society. However,

the elderly are society's most valuable functioning members. They are the guide of a family,

especially in our country. As a family-centered country, family histories are essential to the

people; family histories, beliefs, and traditions cannot be seen in books and social platforms

that we have now, but they were passed down by the elderly. Without the elderly population,

we will not experience important traditions and cultures that we should preserve. As we

recognize the value of the elderly population, Elderly Adult Programs were implemented to

help them. The elderly may hold the least number in the population, but we all know that they
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are the most important bodies in our society since they are full of experiences and skills that

we tend to absorb and resonate with. The elderly population, which is frequently neglected or

undervalued, plays a critical role in molding the fabric of our society. As mentioned above,

the country is experiencing an increase in the elderly population. This means that we need to

implement more Elderly Adult Programs. The elderly hold experiences, wisdom, and morals

that help in shaping not only the future generations but also the society itself. They serve as

our role models since they have much knowledge about the world that we are living in. They

surpass ups and downs; they deserve to be respected as they should. They provide essential

life lessons and practical guidance through the narratives and stories they tell us about their

own experience and points of view that even the articles cannot provide.

We can also see other elderly participating in tree-planting and other extra activities

that may help our society attain a healthy environment. They give us their knowledge and

time freely. Many misconceptions are flooding society, such as how the elderly should stay

home because they are too weak to participate in activities requiring strength. Despite these

misconceptions, older workers still contribute actively to the workforce. Their knowledge and

skills are priceless assets that promote productivity and innovation. They are more competent

than the younger ones. They are flexible with the industrial standard, which makes them

impressive enough. Younger generations are inspired by their capacity to overcome obstacles

because it shows that age is no barrier to accepting change and keeping up with the trends.

The value of what the elderly contribute to society is huge. Our responsibility is to give them

the importance they deserve as elderly citizens of society.

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II. Discussion

Every program for Elderly adults in every Municipality has a different purpose, which

is why the leaders of the Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the

Philippines(FSCAP) built it. According to Mrs. Aida Cueto, Senior citizen focal of Cabugao,

the purpose of their program is to honor the invaluable legacy of Filipino Senior citizens:

"Panagpadayaw iti napateg a tawid dagiti Filipino senior citizens." They also had different

goals in this program that they wanted to achieve after a year: highlighting Older adults'

progress and promoting social well-being as a significant member of our country. They had

only one component by which when the person turned 60 and above, they would be

automatically eligible to be a member of the Elderly Adult Program. However, the total

number of members they want to target is about 6,000 or less.

Physical Resources

When it comes to physical resources, the role of Municipal Social Welfare

Development is one where they can get the tools and equipment needed for the health of

Elderly Adults through the Local Government Unit or the Rural health unit. RHU facilities

and Balay Taripato are available for them to recover from their illness, which their Philhealth

covers. However, it is still their choice to get admitted to Private hospitals. The FSCAP's

actions for the Elderly Adults to meet their physical needs are requesting and consulting first

the rural health unit through DSWD in Vigan. After that, they will distribute it in their

designated barangay, and the chairperson will be responsible for those assistive devices that
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the Elderly Adults need. When it comes to the demographic profile of the senior citizens,

they have free consultations and medicines for the citizens' maintenance.

Financial Resources

The LGU funded the program, but their social pension is from the National through

DSWD. Regarding their funds, there is always an issue regarding budgeting. According to Sir

Demetrio Sablay, the President of FSCAP, he stated that there is a 1% share of Senior

Citizens from the Internal Revenue Allotment of the barangay. Still, they can't handle the

funds because the barangay holds them, so they submit an action plan indicating what things

the senior citizens need, but the funds are not directly given to them. The program can afford

to continue due to the funds that are given yearly, but according to Sir Demetrio, more is

needed to cover all of their necessities. Free Philhealth Insurance Benefits are provided,

which offers an additional vital point to the program's continuation.

Human Resources

In Human Resources, every program is involved during the program's planning,

implementation, and evaluation with the help of MSDWO and the staff. Before planning,

implementing, and evaluating the program, they consulted the Mayor before they

implemented a program.
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Statistics

Based on the data

gathered through the

interview, this graph shows

the total number of senior

citizens covered by the

program. The program covers

the 33 barangays in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur. Consisting of 2221 male senior citizens and 3235

female senior citizens. Given that, they served 5456 clients throughout the program's

implementation.

Regarding the issues or problems encountered by the organization. The previous

questionnaire highlighted a significant issue regarding the program's financial needs. The

team behind the program has been engaging in discussions, consultations, and dialogues with

various stakeholders, including the Mayor, BSCA, and other focal persons, to find ways to

address this issue. They aim to achieve their program's goals through financial assistance,

coordination, linkages, and project proposals facilitated by the MSWD. It's good to know that

the team has reached 80-90% of their target population. They also identified the strengths and

weaknesses of their program, especially during the planning, implementation, and evaluation.

Their program's strength is financial support with the help of the local government unit, and

their weakness is lack of budget. Some do not participate, and they have a negative attitude.
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III. Conclusion

In conclusion, the program had a lot of accomplishments during its implementation,

such as Saranay, Building Creation for Senior Citizens and Centenarians. Specific programs

also popped out due to them: Distribution of assistance to individuals in crisis, Death aid to

members, Activities like the Elderly Week celebration (October 1 - October 7), and Giving

cash incentives to senior citizen centenarians. The program's purpose is to honor Filipino

Senior citizens' invaluable legacy. Also, the benefits and purpose of this program are evident

since they have an ordinance keeping and giving incentives to the Cabugao Centenarias. But

of course, they also encountered problems and issues during these times. Problems with

funding arise since even if the government funds them, they still need more supplies to

support the senior citizens. To address this issue, the program's team has been holding

conversations, consultations, and dialogues with various stakeholders, including the Mayor,

BSCA, and other key individuals. Through financial aid, coordination, links, and project

proposals enabled by the MSWD, they hope to accomplish the objectives of their program. In

particular, they recognized the program's advantages and disadvantages during the design,

implementation, and evaluation phases. Their program's financial backing from the local

government is a strength. However, a budget shortage is a weakness. Furthermore, because

they provide essential resources and help, these programs are valuable because they foster

social interactions and participants' physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By providing

these activities, they hope to promote a healthy environment that would shield the senior

population from various illnesses.

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IV. Appendix

Appendix A: Interview Transcript Format

Date and Time of Interview: October 19, 2023 at 3 pm onwards.

Municipality/City: Municipality of Cabugao

Name and Position of Interviewee: Mrs. Aida Cueto (Senior citizen focal of Cabugao)

Interviewee number: 1

Interviewer/s:

Interview Transcript Analysis

Interviewee:

Q1: What is the purpose of the program of Elderly Adult? The interviewee answered the

- “The purpose of our program is to honor the questions given by the interviewers

invaluable legacy of Filipino Senior citizens: concisely; she expressed her

Panagpadayaw iti napateg a tawid dagiti Filipino answers clearly and effectively

senior citizens." enough for the interviewers to

understand. The presented answers

are straight to the point, which

Q2: What are the goals that you want to achieve in your
helps conserve the allotted
program?
interview time. She listened
- "We had different goals in this program that we
actively and appropriately
wanted to achieve after a year: highlighting Older
responded, which helped to avoid
adults' progress and promoting social well-being as a
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significant member of our country." confusion; she even willingly let us

take pictures for documentation,

including their mission vision and

Q3: What are the components of your program?
ordinance copy.
- "Our component is when the person turned 60 and

above, they would be automatically eligible to be a

member of the Elderly Adult Program."

Q4: How many members do you want to target in that

program?

- "The total number of members we want to target is

about 6,000 or less."

Q5: Where do you get the tools and equipment needed for

the health of Elderly adults?

- “We can get the tools and equipment needed in the

Municipal Social Welfare Development through the

Local Government Unit or the Rural health unit.”

Q6: Are there any Facilities for them to recover from their

illness?

- “RHU facilities and Balay Taripato are available for

the senior citizens to recover from their illness, which

their Philhealth covers. But it is still their choice to

get admitted to private hospitals.”

Q7: How did they obtain their physical needs?

- “Our actions for the Elderly Adults to meet their

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physical needs are requesting and consulting the rural

health unit through DSWD in Vigan.”

Q8: What difficulties or issues have you encountered about

their identity, maintenance of the facilities and supply?

- “We have their demographic profiles. We also have

free consultations and medicines for their

maintenance.”

Q9: How many clients have you served in your programs?

As long as your accomplishments.

- “We served 5456 clients throughout the program's

implementation.”

Q10: How did you overcome the issues of problems when

you're planning, implementing, and evaluating the program?

Q11: How did you meet your program goals?

- “We achieved our program's goals through financial

assistance, coordination, linkages, and project

proposals facilitated by the MSWD.”

Q12: How many percent of your target population have you

reached?

- “ The program has reached 80-90% of the target

population.”
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Q13: Is there any identified Strength and weaknesses of your

program especially during your planning, implementing and

evaluating?

- “Our program's strength is financial support with the

help of the local government unit, and the weakness

is lack of budget.”

Date and Time of Interview: October 20, 2023 at 1 pm onwards.

Municipality/City: Municipality of Cabugao

Name and Position of Interviewee: Sir Dimetrio Sablay (Vice President of FSCAP in

Cabugao)

Interviewee number: 2

Interviewer/s:

Interview Transcript Analysis

Interviewee:

Q1: Where did you get the funds of your program? The interviewee added some

- "The LGU funded our program, but the seniors' complete details to give accurate
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social pension is from the National through DSWD." information to the interviewers. The

interviewers also appreciated the

Q2: Are there any issues regarding the funds?
comprehensive and detailed
- "There is always an issue regarding budgeting."
answers provided by the
Q3: Can the municipality afford to continue the program?
interviewee. The interviewers also
- "There is a 1% share of Senior Citizens from the
attained their objectives with the
Internal Revenue Allotment of the barangay. But still,
help of Sir Demitrio's attentiveness
we cannot get and handle the funds ourselves because
to the given questions. The
it became under the barangay's provision."
interview ran well because we were
- "Regarding the issue, we submitted an action plan
not uncomfortable with the
indicating what the senior citizens need, but we didn't
interviewee's presence. He also
see any action."
gave us background about the
- "Due to the funds that are given yearly, our program
program while answering the
continues, but more is needed to cover all of the
additional questions.
expenses."

- "Free Philhealth Insurance Benefits are provided."

Q4: Who were involved during planning, implementing and

evaluating your program?

- "Every program is involved during the program's

planning, implementation, and evaluation with the

help of MSDWO and the staff."

Q5: Who were the person's you have consulted with before

the planning, implementing, and evaluation of this program?

- "We consulted the Mayor before we implemented a

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program."

Appendix B: Documentation

First Day

We took this documentation while doing the face-to-face interview; the first day was

hectic since we had just requested to interview on the same day. We were complete on the

first day since we planned our tasks accordingly, though some misunderstandings arose.

We just got the letter approved by the

Mayor for the interview to happen.

We started asking questions about how

the program was

created, implemented, and planned. We also

asked about the purpose of the program.

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This photo was taken after the interview was

held. We only had a little time since we

started the discussion late due to the

requested permission.

Second Day

We requested to come back the next morning to continue the interview. We requested

to have a 2nd day to further ask about the program. We prepared our questions to avoid dead

air since we did not want to extend the allotted interview time.

This picture was taken after the 2nd day of

the interview. We attained and finished our

objectives for the last day of the interview.

Appendix C: Group Participation Summary

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Andres, Crissa Mae Interviewer/Member Cooperative

Carino, Analyn Interviewer/Member Cooperative

Farinas, Catherine Interviewer/Member Cooperative

Gaspar, Angelica Interviewer/Write-up/Member Cooperative

Mangrubang, Janna Shane Interviewer/Write-up/Member Cooperative

Martinez, Edwinalyn Interviewer/Write-up/Member Cooperative

Serrano, Mayflor Interviewer/Write-up/Leader Cooperative

Serrano, Rona Mae Interviewer/Write-up/Member Cooperative

Sol, Liezel Angeline Interviewer /Member Cooperative

Sol, Vener Interviewer/Write-up/Member Cooperative

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References :

Ilocos Region (Region I) Profile – PhilAtlas. (1903, February 1).

https://www.philatlas.com/luzon/r01.html

Fabonan, E. (2019, July 30). Growing Old And Poor In The Philippines. Growing Old and

Poor in the Philippines | OneNews.PH. https://www.onenews.ph/articles/growing-old-and-

poor-in-the-philippines

Moncatar, T. R. T., Nakamura, K., Rahman, M., & Seino, K. (2019, January 1). Health

Status and Health Facility Utilization of Community-Dwelling Elderly Living Alone in the

Philippines: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study. Health; Scientific Research Publishing.

https://doi.org/10.4236/health.2019.1111117

Gamboa, R. (2022, February 16). The problem with ageing. Philstar.com.

https://www.philstar.com/business/2022/02/17/2161269/problem-ageing
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