DILIMAN, Quezon City — Spiritual leaders and members of several religious groups and denominations have expressed support to the United Senior Citizens party-list for its unwavering advocacy to uplift the lives of the country’s more than 12 million senior citizens who continue to experience the lack of proper attention and care from government and society in protecting and promoting the welfare of the elderly.

Bishops and pastors with some of their members gathered at the Aberdeen Court in Diliman, Quezon City to join incumbent United Senior Citizens representative Milagros Aquino Magsaysay in a resounding appeal to government and the citizenry to unite in promoting a political agenda that would initiate efforts to uplift the plight of the elderly and persons-with-disabilities (PWDs) as well.

In her message to the religious groups, the 77-year-old co-author of the Universal Pension Program cited the need to fast track legislative measures that would enhance and further strengthen the support being provided to the ageing sectors of Philippine society who, she said, had already contributed their share in the development of the country as a sovereign nation that promises a secure future for all Filipinos.

Magsaysay highlighted the achievements she has accomplished in her crusade to address the problems and concerns of senior citizens and PWDs who continue to face the lack of medical care and services triggered by financial and economic constraints and other issues that pose as obstacles to achieving their betterment.

“Magmula po noong ako’y bata pa, sinimulan ko na po ang mga pagtulong at paglilingkod para sa ating mga kababayan na nangangailangan ng pag-aaruga, partikular na sa ating mga senior citizen at PWD, dahil bahagi sila ng dapat mabigyan ng pagkalinga mula sa ating gobyerno, lalo na sa mga may kakayahang tumulong tulad ng inyong lingkod,” she pointed out.

“Kaya nga po nais kong maipagpatuloy ang mga programang mag-aangat sa kalagayan at kabuhayan ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino. Marami po tayong magagawang pamamaraan ng pagtulong sa pamamagitan ng pagsasabatas ng mga bagay na tunay na mapapakinabangan ng ating mga senior citizen at PWD na sa ngayo’y lubhang nangangailangan ng ayuda mula sa ating pamahalaan,” she added.

In ending, Magsaysay expressed her gratitude to those supporting her advocacy while committing to promote the welfare of not only the elderly and those with disabilities but to every Filipino who desires improvements in their lives for a better future where they could live with dignity, integrity and respect.

“Asahan n’yo pong ipaprayoridad po natin ang kapakanan ng ating bansa. Sa pagtulong sa ating mga senior citizen at PWD, malaki po ang ating magiging kontribusyon sa ating lipunan dahil maisusulong natin ang pag-unlad ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino sa gitna ng kahirapan at kakulangan sa kanilang mga pangangailangan,” she concluded.