Expanding work opportunities for elderly residents in Davao
In a significant move towards inclusivity, the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) in Davao City is working diligently to expand job opportunities for senior citizens, going beyond the food industry. This initiative aligns with the recently approved Senior Citizens Work Opportunity Ordinance by the 20th Davao City Council.
Lorenzo C. Borja, head of OSCA, has announced that meetings are being scheduled with various companies, including NCCC, which has shown a keen interest in hiring older workers. The retail chain, like many others, is expected to follow the lead of food giants Jollibee and McDonald's, which have already expressed their interest in employing senior citizens.
SM Malls, another large establishment, already employs seniors as utility workers, albeit in limited numbers. However, with the increasing interest from companies, these opportunities are set to grow.
As of July 2025, there are 197,781 senior citizens registered with OSCA in Davao City. Once the work guidelines are finalized, OSCA will accept applications and coordinate with the Public Employment Service Office (Peso) for placement.
Remarkably, some companies have shown willingness to hire seniors without seeking government incentives, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and respect for the contributions of senior citizens.
The jobs created through these partnerships will feature manageable workloads, with shifts lasting three to four hours, making them suitable for senior citizens. This initiative is a step towards creating an inclusive workforce in Davao City, providing opportunities for senior citizens to contribute to the city's economy while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
[1] Source: Davao Today, "Davao City to hire more senior citizens for work opportunities," 2025. [2] Source: SunStar Davao, "OSCA expands job opportunities for senior citizens," 2025.
- The government's Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) in Davao City, as reported by Davao Today, is meeting with companies like NCCC to provide more job opportunities for senior citizens beyond the food industry.
- In line with the Senior Citizens Work Opportunity Ordinance approved by the 20th Davao City Council, businesses such as SM Malls are already employing seniors, although in limited numbers, as stated in SunStar Davao.
- By July 2025, as shared by Davao Today, there are 197,781 senior citizens registered with OSCA in Davao City, and once the work guidelines are finalized, OSCA will accept applications and coordinate placements with the Public Employment Service Office (Peso).
- Some companies, like Jollibee and McDonald's, have not only shown interest in employing senior citizens but have also inspired others, such as NCCC, as reported by SunStar Davao.
- With these jobs offering manageable workloads and suitable work hours, as reported by Davao Today, this initiative aims to create a more inclusive workforce in Davao City, empowering senior citizens to maintain a healthy work-life balance while contributing to the city's economy.
