Gov't lines up activities for Elderly Filipino Week

CEBU - The government has lined up various activities in line with the celebration of the “Linggo ng Nakatatandang Pilipino” or the Elderly Filipino Week, which will be observed in the first week of October.

Former President Fidel V. Ramos has issued Proclamation No. 470 declaring the first week of October every year as the Elderly Filipino Week in the entire country.

It aims to call on the public to be aware of the plight of elders and to be able to address their pressing needs.

This year’s theme is “Nakatatanda: Huwaran at Yaman ng Bayan” which emphasizes the role of citizens as good models to the youth and the society as well as their contribution to nation building.

Various activities will be held and different services will be offered to elders.

But to fully carry out these endeavors and to ensure nationwide participation and support, a national steering committee was created with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Federation of Sr. Citizens of the Philippines.

DSWD is the chairperson and FSCAP is the permanent secretariat.

The week-long activity that started October 1 until October 7 will be a thanksgiving mass, medical and dental mission, forum on Republic Act 9257 otherwise known as Expanded Senior Citizen’s Act and other topics of interest as proposed.

RA 9257 is an act granting additional benefits and privileges to senior citizens amending for the purpose RA 7432 or the act to maximize the contribution of senior citizens to nation building, grant benefits and special benefits and privileges for other purposes.

The most outstanding senior citizen and the best FSCAP organization will be awarded. Visits to older person’s centers or homes will be conducted.

To show the people that the elders are significant in the society, there will be an exhibit for senior citizens project and accomplishments.

There will also be Socio cultural shows, Walk for Life, Tree planting and Radio and TV appearances.

According to DSWD 7 official website, Central Visayas alone has about 319,782 of older persons.

Across the country, elder population reached 4.6 million. This number is expected to rise to 11.1 million by 2050 or 18.1 percent. — Jessica Ann Pareja/WAB (THE FREEMAN)