Manila: Around 500 senior citizens from the National Capital Region (NCR), Laguna, and Cavite gathered at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City on Tuesday to kickstart the celebration of Elderly Filipino Week (EFW) 2024.
The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC, together with non-government organization SM Cares and the local government units of Metro Manila, organized the EFW 2024 with the theme “Senior Citizens- Building the Nation, Inspiring Generations” to honor Filipino elderlies and commemorate their legacy in their communities.
“Sabi ng ating Pangulo (Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.), ang mga nakakatanda kasama dapat sa ating tinatawag na pagpapalago ng ating bayan, ng ating ekonomiya (Our President said that elderlies should be included in developing our country, our economy),” NCSC Officer-in-Charge Mary Jean Loreche said in her speech.
“Kapag sinabi nating ‘inspiring generations’, ibig lang pong sabihin gusto nating maging kagaya natin sila (When we say ‘inspiring generations,’ it means we
want the next generation to be like us). We want them to look forward to reaching the age that we are in today. We want to help them develop values that they will be able to pass on their next generations,” she added.
Loreche thanked the national government for its assistance, while also stressing the importance of collaboration with the private sector to maximize the services for senior citizens.
This year’s EFW, which runs until Oct. 7, started with a morning Mass at the Shrine of Jesus the Way, the Truth, and the Life, followed by a “Walk of Life” from Coral Way to the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City where a short program was held.
Senior citizens also enjoyed free medical checkups, eye care services, free reading glasses, and a joyful Zumba session.
Source: Philippines News Agency