Startup to launch work platform for older Filipinos

By Almira Louise S. Martinez, Reporter

A PHILIPPINE STARTUP is launching a mobile job platform that connects middle-aged and older Filipinos with employers, seeking to expand work opportunities for experienced workers as the country pushes more inclusive hiring.

“It’s an age-friendly platform to provide opportunities for our active seniors,” MyLolaWorks co-founder Donald G. Onde told BusinessWorld via Zoom.

MyLolaWorks, which is set to launch in July, will offer job listings for Filipinos aged 45 and above, including administrative positions, bookkeeping assistants, restaurant servers, babysitters and other roles.

Users can filter jobs by employment type, such as full-time, part-time or gig work, and by work arrangement, including flexible hours, sitting work and remote work.

“Many of them are retired but are family members, so they don’t want to just be sitting at home doing nothing,” Mr. Onde said. “They want to do something, so we’re creating this platform for them.”

The startup is targeting minimum pay of P200 an hour for workers on the platform.

MyLolaWorks also offers a family-assisted mode, letting verified relatives help older users manage their accounts, communicate with employers and access earnings. Users can  determine the level of access granted to family members.

“The app could provide specific permissions, whether it’s full control of the app or just for withdrawing earnings or logging in,” Mr. Onde said.

The company is still working through legal considerations surrounding full-time employment for senior citizens, although hiring arrangements would ultimately depend on employers.

Under Philippine law, employees may retire at age 60 and are subject to compulsory retirement at 65. However, employment beyond age 65 remains permissible if both employer and employee agree.

The Anti-Age Discrimination in Employment Act prohibits employers from discriminating against applicants and employees based on age, although exceptions are allowed when age is a bona fide occupational qualification.

Several local governments have also introduced programs encouraging employers to hire senior citizens.

In May, the Quezon City government partnered with McDonald’s Philippines to provide jobs for as many as 100 senior citizens across 50 stores.

A similar initiative in Baguio deployed older workers to outlets operated under the Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich and Burger King brands.

“We’re encouraging employers to hire seniors so they can continue contributing to their communities and remain active,” Mr. Onde said.

The startup aims to onboard about 1,000 users by the end of the year.