Maguindanao senior citizens support Mindanao peace efforts

COTABATO CITY, Philippines - Thousands of elderly Muslim, Christian and Lumad residents in Maguindanao province met in summits organized by the provincial government where they discussed how they can help push the Mindanao peace process forward.

The summits, first held in Buluan town on March 7, and, subsequently, in the municipality of Parang last weekend, were organized by the office of Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu and officials of various senior citizens organizations in the province.

The pioneer and most active of all the groups, the North Upi Senior Citizens’ Club, which is comprised of mixed Muslim, Christian and ethnic Teduray members, participated extensively in the two events, where representatives of Mangudadatu’s office discussed with them cooperation ventures aimed at enhancing the delivery of government services to elderly folks in all parts of Maguindanao.

Lucia Cueto-Sinsuat, president of the senior citizens’ group in North Upi, said they are grateful to the provincial government of Maguindanao for the construction of a center for their group's activities.

Sinsuat, widow of former North Upi Mayor Datu Michael Sinsuat, said there are ongoing interventions being initiated by the provincial government to improve the socio-economic condition of the elderly citizens in remote areas in Maguindanao.

“This is something new to us. In return, we, the elderly people in the province, will contribute our share in fostering peace and sustainable development in all of the 36 towns in Maguindanao,” Sinsuat said.

Elderly folks in the first district of Maguindanao were just as enthusiastic during their gathering in Parang town.

Mangudadatu said he was elated with the turn out of the two events. He said he was fascinated with the eagerness of his elderly constituents to help him enforce good governance in the province.

Mangudadatu said senior citizens can ventilate all of the issues and concerns to the provincial planning office if they need any assistance from him.