Berting Garlitos
Ruperto "Berting" Garlitos is 65 years old with three children and lives in the Philppines. He has set up three older people's associations. He is passionate about helping older people fight for their rights and believes that to do so older people need to be well organised and active.
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Do you think government supports older people in your country?
I think that if we look at the current laws that are in effect in the Philippines as an indicator, we can say that the government is addressing the concerns of older people. But the sad reality is, even though there are laws regarding the welfare of older people, these laws are not being effectively enforced or implemented and therefore depriving most older people of their advantages and benefits.
Why do you think older people's rights are important?
It's very important for older people to know their rights. It's through this awareness that they will become motivated to fight for them. We should not be driven by a sense of pity for older people but by the recognition that their rights are innate, natural and inalienable as they are to all individuals.
Have you taken part in Age Demands Action in the past?
Yes, I really feel the need to build and organise a movement for older people. As an individual, I can feel the impact I am making in advancing the interests of my fellow older people. And it is my belief that other older people's leaders feel the same. We know that it is our moral obligation to be advocates for older people.
Why is Age Demands Action campaign important to you?
There's a lot of work that needs to be done for older people with the help and coordination of Age Demands Action. It is our hope that all older people facing difficulties will receive a social pension.
What kind of world do you want to live in?
I want to live in a world where older people's primary needs are met. These would be food, medicine, healthcare and peace of mind. That is what we wish to see, a world where everyone recognises older people's needs.
What is your message for older people in developing countries?
We call upon all countries in Europe, and the European Union, to support our struggle for the rights of the older people in Asia, particularly in the Philippines. When we speak of development programmes, it is too often thought of strictly in terms of economic policies. However, our call to recognise the needs of older people is part of our innate rights as human beings, which must be part of any development plan.
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Germán Juan Romero Lara (2nd August 2013)
Comparto con las opiniones de BERTING GARLITOS, que apoya por los derechos de las personas mayores. Yo soy de Lima-PERU, este país está en América del Sur, le envio este mensaje para apoyar a los ACTIVISTAS DEL MUNDO, que estan luchando por sus derechos y por una Pensión Social Digna para todos los ADULTOS MAYORES, apartir los 65 años, la ONU debería tener un fondo disponible para el adulto mayor. Vamos seguir comentando mas adelante por los derechos del adulto mayor.