BAGUIO CITY- Four centenarians and eight outstanding senior citizens were honored during the elderly month opening program at the Baguio Convention Center last Tuesday.
Ceferino Montero Cabasa, Maria “Ina Oyang” Amingay Insigne, and Fruto Palpalay Dalmas are 100 years old, with Rosalina Pagaddut Ognayon, 101, being born on June 10, 2015.
Cabasa, from Narvacan, Ilocos Sur is a former government employee; while Insigne, from Nagbukkel, Ilocos Sur and married to forester Magno Insigne of Lacub, Abra, is a housewife.
Dalmas, from Dandanak, Besao, Mtn. Province is a farmer and later, a miner who retired in 1988, has 14 children, of whom 7 survive.
Ognayon, from Lobo-ong, Banaue, Ifugao, is a farmer married to a woodcarver, and a mother of nine.
The centenarians advocate simple stress-free living, optimistic outlook in life and faith in God. Organic food and exercise add to years of life, they added. Each received P10,000 from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO). According to CSWDO head Betty Fangasan, the P100,000 centenarians’ gift from the national government is awaited as all documents have been submitted.
In the same program, leadership awards were given to: Dr. Placido Abuan, Sr., a guidance counselor, teacher and graduate school dean, board of elder, trustee and director for senior citizen affairs; and Gerry Mecos, a former Philippine Military Academy instructor, now reservist, and an active retiree. Mecos is a recipient of numerous merit, commendation, conduct and service, and home defense awards.
Academician and University of the Philippines (UP)-educated Dr. Milandre “Nini,” Rusgal, spent her educator days at Jolo, Sulu, and the Mindanao State University; and now, in Luzon schools, and even in Malaysia as visiting professor. She is an active senior citizen, and has awards from various socio-civic groups.
Community service awardees are: Gloria Molina, in recognition of voluntary service to the Baguio Market Vendors Association (BAMARVA) and various barangay programs as an official; Pilar Valente, is a “dependable and responsible” assistant for SC affairs and caretaker of the Salud Mitra SC building without remuneration.
Flora Balaba, is a long-time Philippine Military Academy instructor, administrative and training officer. She conducts trainings for rug, purse and wine-making at Nangalisan, Tuba, Benguet; and initiates feeding programs through the Soroptimists. She and her family are the recipient of the Huwarang Pamilya award in 2015.
Prospera Lee is an active leader through the Girl Scouts of the Philippines, Veterans’ League and various groups. She served New Lucban barangay as Punong Barangay, and benefactor of the Tabora Elementary School.
Former miner Juan Allibang is instrumental to the senior citizens’ organization through the acquisition of equipment and venue; and served as local official in Holy Ghost barangay.
Each received a plaque of recognition from city officials: lady councilors Elaine Sembrano and committee chair on Urban Poor, Social Services and Women Lilia Farinas, Fangasan, Secretary to the mayor Rafael Tallocoy, Pastor John Bagalawis, Bishop Carlito Cenzon, former Councilor Nars Padilla, retired Forester Isaias Barongan, Senior Citizen leader Edith Ibarra, and Social Welfare Officer Lisa Bulayungan.
The message from DSWD head Judy Taguiwalo who was supposed to be the guest of honor and speaker was read, which urged the senior citizens to mentor the younger generation with lessons of wisdom and experience. In turn, the younger generation should respect and care for their elders, as they are vulnerable to neglect and abuse. Local Government Units should see to the elders’ living arrangements, health, education and other benefits, Taguiwalo said.
The celebration of Filipino elderly week/month is anchored on Presidential Proclamation 47 which recognizes the role of Senior Citizens in nation building. Republic Acts 7432, 9257 and 9994; Senior Citizen Act, Benefits and Priviledges and Expanded Senior Citizen Act, respectively, mandate benefits for the elderly.
The theme for the celebration this year is, “Pagmamahal at Respeto ng Nakakabata, Nakapagpapaligaya sa Nakatatanda.” ** juliegfianza
