PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) – Hundreds of senior citizens in this city benefitted from a medical mission organized by the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) – Cluster 6 in Barangay Balangasan. This activity was part of the weeklong Elderly Filipino Week celebration, in collaboration with the local government, partner agencies, and dedicated medical volunteers.
The mission provided free medical consultations, distributed medicines and vitamins, and offered bloodletting services, along with wellness and pampering activities. This initiative highlighted the commitment to promoting the health and well-being of the elderly in our community.
Cusain Marcaban, resident of Tawagan Sur, expressed his gratitude for the initiative, saying, “Daghan gyud salamat sa atong gobyerno karun kay naa gyud maskin gamay nga madawat nga kaayuhan sa programa sa gobyerno. Lami kaayo paminawon ang mga ingon ani nga programa.
(Thank you very much to our government because even though it’s small, we still receive some benefits from the government’s program. It feels very good to hear about programs like these.)
Similarly, Virginia Nemaria from Barangay Dumagoc shared her appreciation for the medical mission, emphasizing how important the initiative was to senior citizens like her.
“Nagpasalamat gyud mi kay naa ni [medical mission] kay dako ning katabang sa amoa nga mga tiguwang. Naa na mi mga vitamins ug mga pangmaintenance,” Nemaria said.
(We are truly grateful for this [medical mission] because it is a big help for us elderly. Now, we have vitamins and maintenance medications.)
Moreover, Program Development Officer IV Jorry Padayogdog of the NCSC-Cluster 6, emphasized the agency’s commitment to the health of the elderly.
“The National Commission of Senior Citizen advocates nga ang atong mga senior citizens mahimo gyud silang healthy. Kani [medical consultation] muhatag ug guide kanila para mas mabuhi pa sila longer, mabuhi pa sila healthier, para daghan pa silang macontribute sa atong nasud,” he remarked.
(The NCSC advocates for the health and well-being of our senior citizens. This [medical consultation] will provide them with guidance so they can live longer and healthier, and continue to contribute more to our country.)
Elderly Filipino Week, celebrated from October 1 to 7, was established under Proclamation No. 470, issued by then-President Fidel Ramos on September 26, 1994. The proclamation establishes the government’s responsibility to implement social welfare programs that support the well-being of the elderly.
The yearly celebration recognizes the importance of older Filipinos as essential members of society, deserving of support and protection to live productive and happy lives. It also highlights their significant contributions to national development. (EDT/HTB/PIA Zamboanga del Sur)
