LAGAWE, IFUGAO- – Moving forward with courage and the will to improve the conditions of the senior citizens at the capital town of Lagawe, Atty. Denis Habawel is now pushing for the construction of a well-equipped Kalinga Center.
To put it simply, putting up this center is a kind of an authentic and long-lasting Christmas gift for the elderly.
The disclosure of the ambitious plan comes amid the holding of senior citizens Christmas parties in several Lagawe villages.
From Barangay Poblacion East also in Lagawe, to Barangay Poblacion South, aged folks have been falling in love with food items, goodies and calendars donated by poll aspirants and promises of the “ayuda” (dole-out) from the national government. It bore witness to some of the “treat” and “tricks” offered to the elderly sector.
This first-ever, milestone plan is possible, timely, practical and doable because Atty. Habawel is contesting the mayoralty post in the next year’s midterm elections, and high commitment to elevating the status of elderly folks “That’s the plan and we will also focus on their other needs,” he said in an exclusive interview.
“The Kalinga Center is a very good place to promote the well-being of our elderly thus, would also translate into a healthy ecosystem where they can relax and socialize together,” Atty. Habawel said.
No doubt, relaxation is a basic need everyone should have the benefit of having and so many at this point of time are truly appreciative of the former Ifugao governor. More so, for Filipinos aged 60 and above, after painstakingly raising their loved ones and contributing to nation-building.
By operating the Kalinga Center in this part of Ifugao, it encourages good practices that minimize negative effects caused by shabby treatment of elderly individuals.
Visitors or guests can also learn about the sector’s historical significance. This educational value can heighten awareness of the elderly role in society.
“Kalinga” is a Filipino word for care. The Kalinga Center shouldn’t be viewed as another government-operated facility. More importantly, it is a critical investment in ensuring a brighter tomorrow for elderly folk. It’s not too difficult to envision it in the not-so-distant future, and that’s a hope that countless elderly folks are willing to hold on to.
Extending a helping hand, where help is almost despaired of has bestowed upon that eyed refuge has a name. It’s Kalinga Center.
Habawel vows to always be mindful of the elderly needs and that while he may sometimes come up with the stress on their family ties as a primary reason for maintaining the center, “giving value to ties with (old) friends or acquaintances, are truly important” now more than ever.”
“That’s the truth and they will always understand where I am coming from,” he explained.
Many elderly folks have experienced a better life under the leadership of Gov. Habawel, and his presence at this Christmas party merely seals that truth. He had always gone out of his way to help anyone in need. Over the years, many found the experience eye opening and valuable, particularly the advices shared by Habawel during his tenure from 2013 to 2016, something profoundly important to them. Three years made up of interesting scenes that seem to have a deep meaning.
Also, Lagawe Councilor Gregorio Dangayo attended the occasion like Atty. Habawel, Dangayo’s presence is a tangible recognition of his tireless efforts to make a difference, reminding them of the invaluable contributions of senior citizens in the country.
Councilor Dangayo is the chairman of the committee on good government, public ethics and accountability. He also chairs the committee on peace and order and public safety.
Others in “key political sphere” figures in attendance include poll hopefuls Magdalena Dinamling, Angie Guinid and Wilfredo Lunag.
While Godfrey Dominong, in a statement, said, “The truthfulness of love for old folks is envisioned by doing good deeds for them on a daily or regular basis and not just during the Christmas Season.” Notably, while calendars were being distributed, Dominong was comforting an elderly at sick bed at Barangay Caba.
On the other hand, journalist Anthony Araos called on the national government to prioritize free hospitalization, check-ups and maintenance medicine subsidy for senior citizens, to be funded with savings generated from anticorruption campaign and realignment of huge “confidential funds.”
“It’s high time to craft a better pension package for the elderly. What is being allotted for their pension item is unbelievably too low. A significant increase, commensurate to the effects of the high cost of living is called for,” Araos pointed out.
Most poverty-stricken villages in Lagawe, particularly in far-flung ones, have senior citizens organizations. These associations are trying to provide responsive and innovative services needed by members despite scarce funds. But what particularly do their officers and members want as short-term projects. Well, they are actually engaged in simple and measurable actions. They must pay death-aid fees when it is only reasonable to demand from the officialdom for the free burial of indigent, poorest of the poor senior citizens.
How the elderly should move forward would have to be assigned to knowledgeable individuals in the private sector.
Instead of merely giving aged Filipinos calendars, they should be told that there are Emergency Accessible Polling Places (EAPPs) operated by the COMELEC for the elderly who will cast ballots in the May 12, 2025 elections.
It’s time to remind them to properly discern the character and the kinds of leaders that they want to occupy key positions in the Sangguniang Bayan, Sangguniang Panlalawigan, House of Representatives and Senate.
Each one in the elderly sector should undergo the process of discernment towards collective active response. This clearly involves their immersion in socio-economic-political realities and responding proactively in light of emergence of vote-buying, and not God-centered, not God-fearing candidates who are busy roaming around in yuletide parties.
It is not enough that a calendar is given to an elderly. It’s not enough that Php 500 is handed to an elderly, thinking it is not even enough for a day’s three meals. “I need money to buy medicines because I’m always sick,” an elderly told this scribe. When asked where she is staying, strangely her reply: “At Barangay Boliwong”. “It’s a far-away village. It’s really time to help an aged villager to remain strong against the onslaught of pain and misery.”
For aged Filipinos, this is the best time to create and share memories. They can enjoy the festive spirit as they immerse in the lights and decorations of a Christmas tree.
Hosted by noted businessman Romeo Buhong, the party was also graced by a number of prominent leaders in the public and private sectors such as Mayor Reynold Kimayong, Punong Barangay Johnson Guinanoy, Rosa Gumatin, Edel Grace Kimayong, Felicitas Hampuy, Anabel Tuigcon, Josie Buiget, Natividad Dulnuan and former Punong Barangay Christopher Paggadut.
The 129-strong Poblacion South Senior Citizens Association is here to stay and it has an opportunity to work in collaboration with stakeholders in the private sector, to see and realize the advantages. **By Anthony A. Araos
