The heads of the Office of Senior Citizen’s Affairs (OSCA) from the different towns and cities of Pangasinan were welcomed by Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao at his Saint Vincent Village home’s pavilion on Wednesday, November 16, 2016, as they gathered for the Association of OSCA Heads of Pangasinan’s (OSCAHAP) Monthly Meeting.

The leaders, led by OSCAHAP President Teoly Ramos of Binmaley and OSCA President of Bayambang Iluminada Mabanglo, were profuse in thanking Mayor CTQ for offering his place and hosting this month’s gathering.

Bayambang Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Lerma Padagas welcomed all participants to the gathering, which were composed of retired teachers, principal, election officer, councilor, barangay captains, CPA, etc. plus a practicing lawyer.

Mayor CTQ, being also the guest of honor and speaker, affirmed the senior citizens by saying that they should not be sad because “life begins at 60.” “We have heard how senior citizens are able to finish elementary and high school. Mayroon pa ngang nagtapos bilang abogado,” he reminded the attendees of the many possibilities of senior life.

“We should thank God that we are still here serving our community and enjoying the years of our lives,” he added.

“We should be aware of one thing we are able to offer the young: wisdom. We are the best ones to guide young people with our wisdom because of the many years of experience we have had in life.”

“We should also be thankful to our government for implementing RA 9994. Because of this, we can look forward to the benefits of seniors like 20% discounts, etc. If you reach 100 years, you get P100,000!” he said.

CTQ further gave inspiration by recalling how his own dream of launching a program, ‘Baley Ko, Pawilen ko tan Tulungan Ko,’ was realized after 20 years, though in a way he did not expect (that is, in the world of politics).

In the meeting proper, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Focal Person Jhun Casaclang updated his fellow members on the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 10868 or the Act Honoring and Granting Additional Privileges to Filipino Centenarians. Other concerns discussed are health and wellness seminar, attendance to the annual convention, and the availing of social pension.

(Bayambang PIO/Media Affairs)