The Department of Social Welfare and Development, with partner agencies, non-government organizations and associations of senior citizens will lead the “Walk for Life,” on October 1, the kick-off activity for the Elderly Filipino Week Celebration from October 1-7. The Walk will be at the Quezon City Memorial Circle where around 1,500 individuals are expected to participate.
The Elderly Filipino Week is an annual event declared through Proclamation No. 470 issued by former President Fidel V. Ramos that highlights the important role of older persons in nation building.
This significant role of older persons is echoed in this year’s theme: Nakatatanda: Gabay, Tulay, Kaagapay at Bantay Tungo sa Kaunlaran. It aims to bring to the public’s attention the plight and needs of older persons.
Other activities include: “Kimona ni Lola” fashion show on October 1; “Dalaw Kalinga,” or visit to centers and institutions for older persons, visit to the Visitorless, Indigent, Sick, Older Prisoners (VISO) at the National Bilibid Prison (NBP) and Correctional Institute for Women (CIW), and the 10 Ulirang Nakatatanda Awards on October 2; reading of the Message and Prayer during Flag Raising ceremonies on October 3 in all government agencies, LGUs, State Colleges and Universities; Super Senior Citizens Song Fest on October 4; and Round Table Discussion on the Study on Aging cum Forum on RA 9994 or Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.
Participating agencies and NGOs are: the Departments of Health, Finance, Trade and Industry, Transportation and Communications, Interior and Local Government, as well as the Federation of Senior Citizens Associations of the Philippines (FSCAP)-NCR, Regional Federation of Senior Citizens Association-NCR, Coalition of Services for the Elderly (COSE), Coalition of Senior Citizens Associations of the Philippines (COSCAP), Philippine United Senior Citizens Association (PUSCA), SM Supermalls and OSCAs of the 17 cities and municipalities in NCR. DSWD-Social Marketing Service
