Recognizing importance of elderly persons
The senior citizens who flocked the Dumangas
Covered gymnasium. (Inset) The Sapao Senior
Citizens Chapter presenting a dance number and
DSWD OIC Regional Director Teresita S. Rosales
with Dumangas Mayor Rolando Distura
Hundreds of senior citizens flocked the covered gym of the municipality of Dumangas, Iloilo to mark the kick-off of the Elderly Filipino Week celebration on Monday (October 2, 2006) with the theme, "Nakatatanda: Kaagapay sa Pagkakaisa at Kapayapaan."
"We recognize our elderly persons today. We give them value. Through them, we can bring peace in our families and communities," stressed Teresita S. Rosales, OIC Regional Director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VI, who graced the activity.
Rosales said that the elderly persons can be rich source of positive values. With the elderly usually left behind while parents go abroad, they continue to keep the bonds that tie families together.
"You can bring unity and peace. Whenever there is misunderstanding in a family, you can resolve issues because of your presence. You have given many contributions in the society. We encourage you to continue the long-time storytelling that incorporates values to our children. If not for you, culture and values will not be learned by the younger generation," said Rosales.
Rosales also lauded the municipality of Dumangas, Iloilo headed by Mayor Rolando Distura, which has been implementing the TAMPAD program. Tampad, which means sincerity and genuineness in Hiligaynon dialect, is a program that provides chips to senior citizens in exchange of free access to transportation (trisikad, tricycle and filcab).
According to Rosales, the implementation of the program is a good indication that the local government is giving value to the elderly.
The chips collected, P10 worth each, is surrendered by drivers to the Municipal Treasurer so they could redeem the amount. As additional incentive, drivers get t-shirts and groceries for collecting many chips.
Before the program ended, trisikad, tricycle and filcab drivers and operators were handed t-shirts, groceries and certification to avail of free gasoline.
Elderly persons from Barangay Sapao also presented a folk dance number. Many then participated in the medical mission that followed.
Also present during the activity were Vice Mayor Julito Diasnes; President of the Federation of Senior Citizens Associations of the Philippines-Dumangas Chapter Leda Azucena; and Marilou Arroyo, Chief of Staff of Cong. Iggy Arroyo's Office from 5th district of Negros Occidental.
(dswd6/May Castillo)