Driven by the painful experience of his grandmother who suffered abuse and neglect from her own children, 23-year-old Neiljay Matunding from Don Carlos, Bukidnon, is on a nationwide journey to push for the passage of the Anti-Elderly Abuse Act.
Traveling across the country on his own, Matunding has visited 37 provinces in his 69-day trek to Manila. On Tuesday, February 4, he arrived in Luna, Apayao, meeting with officials from the Provincial Governor’s Office (PGO) and the Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) to discuss his advocacy.
His campaign highlights the often-overlooked issue of elder abuse and the urgent need for legal protection for the elderly. By sharing his grandmother’s story, Matunding is rallying support for House Bill 4696, a measure that seeks to uphold the dignity and rights of senior citizens.
The Anti-Elderly Abuse Act, authored by Davao City Representative Paolo Duterte, aims to ensure that senior citizens receive the care and respect they deserve. “Every elderly Filipino deserves to live with dignity and peace,” Duterte said.
Once he completes his visits to all 86 provinces, the Department of Education has pledged to support his education in recognition of his efforts. By Loremia Pareja
