41: Ou Vanda & Rizal Balatbat on helping older people in Cambodia and the Philippines

Oct 1, 2019

This episode is part of a special series: And Then Suddenly; Rising Voice(s)

In celebration of International Day of Older Persons, I talk with two guests who are using their retirement to help fellow senior citizens.  After a career working in Cambodian hospitals, Ou Vanda was painfully aware of the health issues facing older people in her country.  Upon his return to the Philippines, former educator Rizal Balatbat found himself learning about senior issues and broadcasting.  I talk to Ou about establishing an OPA in her village and Rizal about his radio show and how both are educating and pushing for policy changes through their work.

Additional Resources

• United Nations: International Day of Older Persons
• Voice
  • On Facebook 
  • On Twitter
  • Information on Help Age Cambodia 
  • Information on COSE
• Help Age Cambodia
• COSE
• Rizal's radio show:  Senior Citizens' TIPS - Time for Information and Public Service
  • Episode: Ageism, IDOP (International Day of Of Older Persons, Elderly Filipino Week)
  • Episode: Older Persons Organizations
  • Episode: Mandatory Philhealth Coverage for all Senior Citizens

 

And Then Suddenly; Rising Voice(s)

This special series of episodes features conversations with partners from Voice. Based in Africa and Asia, these individuals -often leaders of organizations or small groups- are working tirelessly to ensure that their own voices as well as those they represent are at the table and not on the menu. The moments they share are their very own and the conversations are impromptu and candid.

About Voice:
Voice is an innovative grant facility that promotes inclusion and diversity in Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Laos, Cambodia, Philippines and Indonesia. It aims to amplify and connect thus far unheard voices in efforts to leave no one behind based on the principle of Nothing About Us Without Us.  Voice is financed by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and executed by Oxfam Novib and Hivos.