ABORLAN, PALAWAN – 600 Senior Citizens attended the 2016 Elderly Filipino Week Celebration in Aborlan, Palawan Tuesday, 18 October 2016.

Department of Social Welfare and Development MiMaRoPa, in coordination with the Local Government Unit of Aborlan, Palawan, spearheaded the said celebration.

Activity aims to recognize the important contributions of senior citizens in community development and nation building.

This year’s theme, “Pagmamahal at Respeto ng Nakababata, Nagpapaligaya sa Nakatatanda”, emphasizes that older persons should be loved, cared for, and respected.

“Naniniwala po ako na ang mga Senior Citizens ay malaki ang kontribusyon sa pagpapaunlad ng ating ekonomiya at komunidad. Sila po ang humuhubog sa ating mga kabataan na maging may takot sa Diyos at maging mabait na mamamayan (Senior Citizens have great contribution in improving the state of our economy and community. They hone and guide our youth to be God-fearing and to be good citizens),” said Purificacion Arriola, Protective Services Unit Head.

One of the highlights of the event was the discussion of the Republic Act (RA) 10868 or the Centenarians Act of 2016.

The law states that all Filipinos, who have reached  100 years old and above, whether residing in the Philippines or abroad shall be honored with a Letter of Felicitation from the President of the Philippines congratulating the celebrant for his or her longevity; and a Centenarian gift in the amount of one hundred thousand pesos (P100,000).

Moreover, DSWD continued to advocate for the strict implementation of Republic Act (RA) 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, which provides more benefits and privileges to older persons.

They are entitled to 20% discount on the purchase of certain goods and services, special 5% discount on prime commodities and basic necessities, and 5% utility discount on electric and water consumption.

To heighten knowledge and awareness of Senior Citizens about their health, rights and privileges, various talks were given.

Ms. Emily N. Beridico, Executive Director of Coalition of Services of the Elderly, Inc., shared about ‘Ageing, Emerging Needs and Issues on OP Sector and How to Prevent Elderly Abuse’ while Ms. Adelwisa Maria C. Joquin, President of Bantay Matanda Inc. presented the ‘How to Care for Alzheimer’s Patient’.

Members of Regional Interagency Committee for Senior Citizens — Department of Health (DOH), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) — also supported the Elderly Filipino Week Celebration.

Free medical check-up, massage therapy, and livelihood assistance were some of the services provided to elderly.

On the other hand, Local Government Unit provided community-based alternative living arrangements and senior citizens centers that serves as a venue for our older persons recreational, educational, health and social activities.

Also, senior citizens participated in the following contest: a) food preparation; b) best display of products; c) biggest no. of participants; d) oldest male and female; and e) banner making contest. ###