Roxas City — Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronaldo Puno has urged all local chief executives to reproduce and distribute the new Senior Citizen Purchase Booklet to senior citizens in their respective areas in line with the government’s efforts to promote the rights and welfare of senior citizens.

The purchase booklet will help the senior citizens avail of discounts in the purchase of agricultural commodities in retail establishments nationwide.

Republic Act 9257 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003 affords discount privileges to every senior citizen in the country.

“Our senior citizens deserve such privileges because during their younger years, and even up to now, they are a source of inspiration and wisdom and are among our country’s greatest assets,” Puno said.

The revised and consolidated Senior Citizen Purchase Booklet was produced by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Agriculture in coordination with the National Inter-Agency Coordinating and Monitoring Board Office of the Senior Citizen Affairs.

It contains the name of the senior citizen, the list of basic necessities and prime commodities that they can buy at discounted prices, the retailer name and address, date of purchase and the amount.

Basic necessities and prime commodities covered by the privilege include rice (except those sold and retailed by the National Food Authority); food grade corn and corn grits; fresh fish and other marine products; fresh chicken eggs; fresh pork, beef and poultry meat; fresh vegetables including root crops; fresh fruits; and onion and garlic.

Under RA 9257, every senior citizen shall enjoy a special discount of five percent of the regular retail price of basic necessities and prime commodities, provided that the amount shall be spent on at least four kinds of items, and that purchases shall not exceed P650.00 per calendar week.

The said law also provides that purchases shall be made at supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience and mini-convergence stores and shops, but excluding sari-sari stores, public and private wet markets, talipapa and cooperative stores. (PIA/DILG)