Senior Affairs

Background

The Board of Trustees/Executive Committee, Association of Former International Civil Servants (AFICS-Philippines) established a Committee on Senior Affairs in 2024 to address the rights, benefits and other needs of its members. 

Purpose 

The Committee on Senior Affairs shall serve as the information sharing mechanism of AFICS on the rights and benefits of Filipino elderly and senior citizen who were former international civil servants. 

Objectives 

The Committee shall develop a Workplan and Budget for approval by the Board of Trustees and the Executive Committee. It shall carry out the following:

• Complete and disseminate information about national laws, policies and programs on senior citizens and elderly people’s rights, entitlements and benefits to AFICS members;

• Provide guidelines and procedures on how to avail programs, projects and services on health, discount entitlements and various benefits in cash or in kind;

• Provide venues and forums for interactive exchange of updates and interpretation/clarification of entitlements and benefits and sessions on healthy aging;

• Where possible, together with other BOT-ExCom contribute to the formulation and/or adoption of legislation and policies by participating in forums or public hearings, trainings at national and local levels, and, specifically at international level, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Elderly. 

Scope of Work / Functions

Development

• • Review and finalize the draft Guidebook for Seniors.  

  • Revise, amend, or add new policies and legislative measures to update the Guidebook. 

  • Ensure alignment with relevant human rights standards, legal and policy frameworks.

Procedural Guidelines on Entitlements and Benefits 

• Summarize the procedural guidelines, as defined in the Guidebook, to enable senior citizens and elderly people to maximize and utilize benefits as provided for in national laws and local ordinances and intersectoral programs and projects. 

Information Sharing

• Utilize social media platforms, online facilities, face-to-face and virtual methods for info sharing, dissemination, training. 

Documentation and Records

• Ensure that both hard and soft copies of the Guidebook, procedural guidelines and other related documents and info materials are organized and filed.

Composition

• The Committee shall consist of five volunteer members among BOT-ExCom members. 

• Members should preferably have experience in governance, legal, economic, communication or procedural matters.

Terms of Office

• Members shall serve for a two-year term. 

Meetings

• The Committee shall meet Ad hoc, as needed.

• Meetings may be conducted virtually or in person. 

Reporting

• Progress reports shall be done during BOT-ExCom regular meetings.

• Year-end report on achievements shall be submitted and presented during the Annual General Membership Meeting. 

Support and Services

• The Association shall provide administrative support as needed.

• The Committee may consult or tap external experts on related topics as approved in the annual work plan.