VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) — Some 1,700 senior citizens in Ilocos Sur were honored during the Tribute to Elderlies held Monday, Feb. 5, at the Provincial Farmers Livelihood Development Center in Vigan City.

This includes some 50 association presidents and their indigent members who were identified by the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office from each municipality and city.

According to Ilocos Sur Boardember Mildred Elaydo, chairperson of the Committee on Senior Citizens and Differently-Abled Persons, this activity is termed gift-giving to the elderly.

“This is to recognize, celebrate, and give honor to the life of the elderly where the gift could be used for your daily subsistence, for your health and wellness, and to purchase your maintenance medicines,” Elaydo said.

The elderly audience were entertained with a fashion show participated in by their fellow senior citizens who showcased the One Town-One Products of the different municipalities, with some of them incorporating even the food products on their traditional and modern attires.

The top five participants were awarded with P5,000 cash prize.

A participant from the town of Narvacan stood out in the show because of her costume which was accentuated with a basket full of bagnet or crispy deep-fried pork belly which is a famous Ilokano delicacy.

The elderly participants received a cash gift of P1,000, and were entered in a raffle where the lucky ones won prizes such as   washing machine, television, gas stove, tables and chairs, plastic cabinets, and electric kettles, among others.

David Syriaco, an elderly from Gregorio Del Pilar town, thanked the provincial government for the benefits such as cash, the raffle item he received, and other support that the province provides to them.

Federico Valencia, from Galimuyod town, also said, “We witnessed how much the provincial government cherishes us, we hope that more blessings come to the province through the leadership of Governor Jerry Singson."

The governor also expressed his wishes for the youth to be reminded to always look back to the people who worked hard to build and make Ilocos Sur a great province.

Moreover, he told the senior citizens that he hopes for them more years to enjoy, and to enjoy their lives, so that they will be able to witness a soaring high One Ilocos Sur.

Meanwhile, the senior citizens danced and sang with the performance of some elderly singers, and the serenade by Filipino singer Ice Seguerra. (JCR/MJTAB/ATV, PIA Ilocos Sur)