ASSESSMENT ON THE LIVELIHOOD PROGRAM FOR SENIOR CITIZENS IN CATMON, MALABON CITY: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Poverty is generally defined as a condition in which individuals lack the means to meet their basic needs. To identify poor populations, it is first necessary to determine what qualifies as "basic needs." These needs can be defined narrowly—as those essential for survival—or more broadly, as those aligned with the prevailing standard of living within a community. As individuals reach retirement age, some older adults may begin to feel a sense of uselessness within their families, despite still being capable of working and contributing to daily responsibilities. This research focuses on assessing the Livelihood Program for senior citizens in Catmon, Malabon City, with the goal of identifying areas for improvement to better support their needs. All research procedures were conducted in strict adherence to ethical standards and in full compliance with the provisions of the Data Privacy Act. The results of the study revealed that the majority of participants were engaged in rug making, which helps them meet their daily needs. Respondents noted that age-related restrictions prevented them from securing formal employment, making this one of the major challenges they face in supporting themselves. Moreover, poor health conditions prevent many of them from applying for jobs that could help ease their financial burdens. Additionally, a lack of education can lead to discrimination in the job market, further limiting their opportunities. Overall, the livelihood program has positively impacted the residents by creating opportunities for senior citizens and helping them earn additional income.