At the heart of the Filipino culture lies a high regard for the elderly. It is a valued Filipino tradition to respect older persons and take care of them. The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office IV MiMaRoPa thru the Social Citizens (SC) Sector is now open for nominations for its 5th Regional Ulirang Nakatatanda Awards.

The Ulirang Nakatatanda Awards is collaborative effort of DSWD IV MiMaRoPa, Regional Inter-Agency Committee on the Philippine Plan of Action for Senior Citizen (RIAC-PPASC) and the Regional Federation of Senior Citizens Associations of the Philippines (RFSCAP) that aims to institutionalize the recognition of the capabilities of senior citizens in promoting their well-being, the disadvantaged group and communities. Specifically, it promotes the importance of senior citizens in the family and community; to give recognition to the significant contributions of individual senior citizens and senior citizen organizations in the promotion of programs for the welfare of senior citizens, other disadvantaged groups and communities; to heighten awareness of the family and community on the importance of senior citizens; and to inspire senior citizens to contribute to nation building.

The Regional Awards consists of Individual Awards where top two senior citizens for each category who have exemplified outstanding character and made significant contributions in their families and communities through public service, resource mobilization and leadership, among others. These categories are Professional, Government Service and Basic Sector.

Group Award where top two senior citizen organizations have made significant and outstanding contributions in the lives of their fellow senior citizens and communities through public service, innovative resource generation activities and positive influence in their families, community leaders and other sectors in their areas.

Any recognized senior citizens organization may submit nominations for individual and group awards in their respective provinces or cities. Previous nominees can still be nominated provided that they are not declared winner yet and must present their updated accomplishments.

All nominations should be supported with required documents and be submitted not later than June 28, 2013 to the DSWD Regional Office. Late submission will not be considered.

The Board of Judges in the Regional Level is composed of Regional Directors of CHD-DOH, DILG, DOT, DOLE, DTI, PIA, DepEd, DPWH and DSWD.

For complete details, visit the nearest Municipal/City/Provincial Social Welfare Development Office. ### SMU.