This study aims to determine the level of awareness and utilization rate of the provisions of the Expanded Senior Citizen Act (ESCA) by the senior citizens in selected barangays of Zamboanga City. This study utilized a cross-sectional descriptive design. There were 404 randomly selected respondents. The study utilized a 5-point Likert Scale questionnaire on the level of awareness and utilization rate of the provisions on the ESCA. The results revealed that the senior citizens were aware of the provisions of the act with a mean score of 3.16. Among the 7 provisions, they were well aware of the 20% discount of certain goods and services, free medical and dental services and diagnostics in government facilities and the presence of priority express lane in establishments; however, majority of the respondents were still not at all aware of the 5% special discount on necessities and commodities, free vaccination against influenza virus and pneumococcal disease, the 12% Value-added tax exemption and the death benefit assistance. On the utilization rate, the priority express lane was utilized almost everytime, the 20% discount on certain goods and services was sometimes/occasionally utilized; however, majority of the respondents almost never utilized/availed the 12% Value-added tax exemption, the 5% special discount, the free medical and dental services, diagnostics and laboratory; and free influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations. Issues mentioned were the lack of knowledge, misconception regarding health, difficulty in accessibility and processing; financial and health difficulties and the restrictions of the provisions itself. The results were somehow limited to prove such issues. Impeded awareness and utilization can lead to unnecessary hospitalizations, increased morbidity and higher costs of health care system than necessary. The need to strengthen education, empowerment, and facilitation of the provisions for these senior citizens is recommended.

Keyword: Expanded senior citizen act