Free viewing of movies by senior citizens, sought

By Gaby Keith

BAGUIO CITY - Mayor Mauricio Domogan said he will ask the city social welfare and development office under Betty Fangasan to coordinate with SM City Baguio management for the latter to allow local senior citizens to watch blockbuster movies for free.

Domogan said he received reports that the Summer Capital’s largest mall where the city’s only four remaining cinemas are located, allegedly only allows senior citizens to watch regular movies for free and not those that are popular hits or certified blockbusters.

For the past several years, SM cinemas have been allowing local elders to watch movies free of charge every Tuesday during the first full showing as long as they present a valid Baguio senior citizen ID card from the CSWDO. 

The free movie showing is in pursuant to a city council measure as an added benefit to the city’s individuals who have reached the age of 60 years old.  Senior citizens are also given discounts on food, medicines, transportation and others as part of their privilege.

The Mayor said he is thankful to SM City Baguio saying the company should be commended for the free movie showing that many of the city’s senior citizens have been enjoying.

Domogan said maybe  SM City Baguio can also include blockbusters to the movies that senior citizens can watch for free to add further to their enjoyment in their twilight years.

However, the CSWDO’s Coralie  Dulnuan said the mall does allow senior citizens to watch blockbuster movies for free but only on later days or weeks when the crowds trooping to watch the  hit movies are not that large anymore.

This was confirmed by SM City Baguio’s assistant operations manager Denise Peralta who said they allow senior citizens with valid IDs to watch blockbuster movies for free but usually on the second week of showing.