DSWD1 joins 1st senior citizen summit in La Union

By Miriaflor Rimando

Thursday 21st of June 2012

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, June 21 (PIA) -- Recognizing the role of senior citizens in community building, the Department of Social Welfare Development Region 1 (DSDW R1) joined the gathering of 340 senior citizens during the First Senior Citizen Summit.

The summit was conducted by the Provincial Government of La Union recently at the Pacoy Ortega Gym, San Fernando City here.

“It is noteworthy that the process of growing old also gives Senior Citizens a wealth of experience, skills and knowledge that can be used for community building activities. Harnessing potentials and interests of older persons to shape the future of the younger generation will ultimately contribute to enhancing family solidarity and growth,” said DSWD Regional Director Marcelo Nicomedes J. Castillo in his message.

The one-day activity provided venue for Senior Citizen’s concerns, resolutions, lectures on existing laws concerning the senior citizens.

DSWD Information Officer Allan Lulu said the agency continues to provide support to elderly citizens through its Intergenerational Program for Older Person and Children, which responds to the growing needs and concerns of older persons.

This program aims to bring opportunities to all sectors and stakeholders in uniting and bridging the gaps between young and old generations in working for development.

Today, the DSWD is still establishing the Intergenerational Program for Older Person and Children which targets 20 senior citizens from 10 municipalities in the region.

The 20 senior citizen beneficiaries will receive an incentive of P180 per day, Social Welfare officer III Regina Bulatao said in an interview.

At the end of the activity, Adriano Ofiaza, 109 years old from Agoo town and Angela Acosta, 106 years old from Aringay town, both recognized and awarded for being the oldest male and female senior citizen, respectively, in the province. (ANL/MBR-PIA 1 La Union with reports from DSWD R1/Allan Lulu)