By Gideon C. Corgue
PAGADIAN CITY – It was a day of entertainment when more than 600 senior citizens from the different barangays flaunted their talents during the culmination of elderly week celebration on Tuesday at the covered court in Plaza Luz here.
Sultan Pangsayan Radi Sr., president of the Federation of Senior Citizen Association of the Philippines (FESCAP)-Pagadian City chapter, said the elderly week celebration last Oct. 1-7 was capped by a foot parade along the city’s major thoroughfares.
This year’s celebration has for its theme, “Ang Nakakatanda ay Yaman. Katuwang sa Pag-unlad ng Bayan, Pangalagaan Kanilang Karapatan.”
“This is the first time that the city’s enthusiastic elderlies hold parade around the city,” Radi said adding “the weeklong celebration focuses on the vital role of senior citizens and their valuable contributions to our society.”
The FESCAP, Radi said, also conducted a free medical mission, gave recognition to six most active FESCAP chapters and organized a whole-day entertainment program for the members to show off their talents before the public.
“Senior citizens were happy to share their talents through songs, dances, poems, etc. during the yearly event,” Radi said.
Radi also thanked the local government unit (LGU) through Mayor Romeo Pulmones for actively supporting the said activity by extending financial assistance and helping promote and enforce the rights and wellbeing of the elderly.
Sixty-five-year-old Lumen Abacahin, FESCAP member of Lumbia chapter and former employee of City Agriculturist Office, said she enjoyed seeing her fellow senior citizens – composed mostly of retirees from public and private organization - gathered together. “This is the only day that all senior citizens come together to mingle with each other.”
“I hope that the city government and DSWD will continue to support us- the senior citizens - particularly on our rights because when we served the government, we have contributed our knowledge, skills and experience for the improvement of our society,” she added.
