BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) launched the 2024 Elderly Filipino Week celebration with a special program at the SM City Baguio on Oct. 1, 2024.
The celebration with the theme, “Senior Citizens – Building the Nations, Inspiring Generations”, aims to honor and appreciate the invaluable contributions of the senior citizens to the nation’s development. It highlights the vital role of senior citizens in shaping the nation’s past and future.
NCSC Cluster 1 Commissioner IV Reymar Mansilungan said that the event is celebrated to underscore the efforts of senior citizens.
“We’re highlighting ‘yung wisdom ng senior citizens for nation-building. That’s actually the real purpose (of the event),” Mansilungan stated.
The event was also graced by NCSC Executive Assistant Rolando Cailing, Baguio Representative Marquez Go and his wife Sol Go, JD Tabora representing Presidential Assistant for Cordillera Asec. Antonio Tabora Jr., and Baguio City Councilors Isabelo Cosalan and Betty Lourdes Tabanda.
They shared messages highlighting various initiatives designed to support elderly Filipinos, stressing the need for ongoing empowerment and assistance beyond the confines of this celebratory week.
“This is one way of recognizing our senior citizens in the growth and development of a particular community, city, or province. We think that the way to recognize them is to hold an assembly at dito nga, nagbibigay tayo ng update sa mga batas na ipinasa natin sa kongreso para mabigyan ng additional benefits ang ating mga senior citizens,” Go said.
Meanwhile, Mayor Benjamin Magalong, in his message delivered by Cosalan, highlighted the crucial role of intergenerational connections, stressing that today’s youth have much to gain from the wisdom and experiences of older generations.
According to Magalong, the growth and progress of the country are deeply rooted in the efforts and sacrifices of senior citizens, who laid the foundation on which future generations continue to build.
“They need to know our values that we need to impart to them, turnover to them in order to understand where they came from and guide them in building their future,” the mayor said.
Adding a festive and heartwarming atmosphere was a spontaneous song numbers from the participants and intermission performances by the Baguio Association of Senior Citizens Secretaries, Inc.
“Very happy ako dahil nagkumpol-kumpol kaming mga senior, mga balo, mga lola. Masaya ako dahil maraming kumunta. May sumayaw,” said Lolo Joey Devera.
Recolectica Agamata echoed this sentiment, “Nalilibang kami instead na andun lang kami sa house. Kasi ‘yung mga parents naming mga senior, never na-recognize sila,” she said.
As part of the program, the NCSC also officially opened the KASENIOR Fair, Livelihood, and Training Program, where senior citizens could receive onsite assistance from government agencies such as PhilHealth, Department of Trade and Industry, and the Dept. of Labor and Employment.
A series of activities will also take place throughout the week, including tree planting, an elderly health fair, blood donation drives, and a Senior Citizens Job Fair scheduled for October 24.
The Elderly Filipino Week celebration is in line with Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, and Proclamation No. 470, which declares the first week of October as a time to honor the contributions of senior citizens in the country. (JDP/DEG/Kate Cabañero, PIA CAR- SLU Intern)
