AGING is a fact of life. 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. It has hired its older citizens as active and vigilant safe keepers in its barangays.
Formed last July 2 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.
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 included 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, Lola Lolita Sta. Maria, still active at 70, 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 Barangay 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 toward their elders. Schoolchildren, who would call me lola or nanay and make mano 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 at 61, Lorna G. Lota of Barangay Tanong, 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 N. Hernandez, 66, also of Barangay Tanong.
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, the 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, City Mayor Antolin 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 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 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,” he said.
With the overwhelming response toward the senior patrollers program, Oreta said they are looking at the possibility of hiring more older agents to watch over the day-care centers and high schools in the city.
This move, he added, is a reminder for everyone, especially the younger Malabonian 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 said.