IT is heartening to know that the government and the private are working in unison to protect the socio-economic rights of the elderly and persons with disability (PWDs).

Various quarters, including the ordinary citizens across this nation of more than 110 million people, said that this reflects the concern over the welfare of PWDs and the elderly.

Thus, we doff our hat to the city government of Manila and McDonald’s, an American fast-food chain, for signing a memorandum of agreement (MOA) last March 12.

Under the agreement, McDonald’s will hire 150 handicapped and senior citizens (SCs) for its 50 branches in the capital city.

Each outlet will employ three PWDs or SCs to work as order presenters, drink drawers, table managers or guest relations officers.

These personnel will work not more than four hours a day in the morning or afternoon shift. They are entitled to 13th month pay, incentive leaves and company group insurance.

The agreement was signed by Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna and J&F Food Corporation training consultant Sofia Lonega.

Lacuna said the city government is out to re=-integrate Manila’s elderly and PWDs as productive members of society.

Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto and secretary to Mayor Lacuna lawyer Marlon Lacson acted as witnesses. Manila PESO head Fernan Bermejo was also in attendance.

The Filipino people expect the government to deliver on its avowed pro-senior citizens and pro-handicapped agenda.

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