ABSTRACT
This study aimed to determine the level of awareness, perception, and perceived quality of life among senior citizens regarding the implementation of RA 9994. With a total of 90 respondents, the data were analyzed using frequency distribution, percentage, weighted mean, t-test, and one-way ANOVA to identify significant differences among the variables. Results indicated that while respondents possess a high level of awareness regarding the primary benefits of the law, awareness gaps persist in specialized benefits. The perception of the law's implementation and its impact on the quality of life yielded positive overall means, particularly in healthcare access and transportation benefits. Educational attainment emerged as a significant variable influencing how senior citizens perceive the sufficiency of their benefits and their quality of life. The findings of this study have significant implications for the development of localized communication strategies and policy interventions aimed at ensuring that the benefits of RA 9994 are equitably accessed by all senior citizens.
Keywords: RA 9994, Senior Citizens, Awareness, Perception, Quality of Life
INTRODUCTION
Globally, the population is aging rapidly as life expectancy increases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2025), one in six people worldwide will be over the age of 60 by 2030. This demographic shift is particularly pronounced in low- and middle-income countries, which are expected to house two-thirds of the world’s older population by 2050. This trend significantly impacts various societal sectors, influencing the demand for housing, transportation, and social protection, while simultaneously reshaping family structures, labor markets, and financial systems (Dugarova, 2016).
In the Philippine context, senior citizens—defined as those aged 60 and older—represent an increasingly significant segment of the population. Their proportion of the household population rose from 7.5% (7.53 million) in 2015 to 8.5% (9.22 million) in 2020 (Philippine Statistics Authority, 2022). Furthermore, approximately 5.4% (5.8 million) of the population is 65 years or older, bringing the Philippines closer to the 7% threshold required to be formally classified as an "aging" nation.
Reflecting these global and national trends, the Philippines is home to roughly seven million senior citizens. The Philippine Constitution (Article XV, Section 4) mandates that families bear the primary responsibility of caring for their elderly, while the State provides social security (De Leon & De Leon, 2014). To bolster this support, the government enacted Republic Act No. 9994, also known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, which offers additional benefits and protections.
As a key initiative, RA 9994 supports the well-being of senior citizens, encourages their contribution to nation-building, and promotes traditional Filipino elder care (Official Gazette, 2010). The law further aims to ensure healthcare and rehabilitation for disabled seniors, thereby fostering meaningful and productive aging.
However, despite the protections intended by RA 9994, inconsistent implementation—particularly in rural areas—limits its impact. Cabognegro (2024) notes that while the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) identified approximately 4.1 million eligible senior citizens in 2022, resource constraints, lack of awareness, and administrative hurdles restricted social pension benefits to only about 3 million individuals. The International Labor Organization (ILO) adds that the Philippine social pension system struggles with distribution, leaving roughly 40% (3.2 million) of eligible Filipinos without pensions (Ducusin, 2017). Additionally, many senior citizens remain unaware of the specific provisions of RA 9994, which negatively affects their perception of the law’s effectiveness.
This study sought to address this gap by examining the awareness, perception, and quality of life of senior citizens regarding the implementation of RA 9994 in Talanghauan, Cabatuan, Iloilo. Specifically, this research explored senior citizens' knowledge of their benefits, their views on the law's effectiveness, and its perceived impact on their overall quality of life.
The findings offer significant implications for policymakers, local government units, and stakeholders involved in elderly welfare. By providing empirical evidence on awareness and perception, this research can inform more effective policies and programs in Cabatuan, Iloilo, while enhancing the broader understanding of factors that influence access to and satisfaction with government social programs.
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