Bayambang’s senior citizens proved once again that they remain ever young at heart as they gathered together October 6 at the Balon Bayambang Events Center for the Culmination Program for the yearly celebration of Elderly Filipino Week.

With this year’s theme being “Pagkilala sa Kakayahan, Ambag at Paglahok ng mga Nakatatanda sa Lipunan,” seniors from the town’s 77 barangay Senior Citizen Associations sang, danced, and participated in games organized by the Office of Senior Citizens’ Affairs (OSCA) led by Chairwoman Iluminada J. Mabanglo and the rest of the OSCA officers.

Leading the acknowledgment of participants, OSCA Secretary Eligio A. Veloria talked about the national government’s plans of increasing their social pension and the number of recipients, and expressed hope that these would soon be a reality.

In his welcome address, FSCAB President Ernesto J. Solis reminded of the nonsectarian, nonprofit, and nonpolitical nature of the Federation, being an NGO, then called on his fellow seniors to “enjoy our remaining years” and to be united in their goal of advancing senior citizen affairs and in supporting the anti-corruption drive of the present administration. “Pansekderan tayo so pankakasakey pian nagamuran tayo’y maong ya ulopan!” Solis concluded.

Speaking for Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao, who was the day’s guest speaker (he was out of town), Municipal Administrator Atty. Raymundo B. Bautista Jr. reminded the seniors of the many things they are still capable of doing to continue contributing for the good of the town. He then commended the seniors’ positive attitude toward life, saying they are inspiration to the young.

In his own speech, Vice-Mayor Raul R. Sabangan concurred, saying “Hindi pa kayo laos!” and proceeded to serenade the elders with the song “Huwag Mong Isuko ang Laban.”
After the unexpected yet well-received intermission, pink balloons were distributed by officers and members of the Local Council of Women of Bayambang chaired by ‘Mayora’ Niña Jose-Quiambao. The gesture seemed small, but the attendees could not hide their great amusement, as though they were back to being young.

MSWDO head Lerma Padagas next took the stage and shared that her secret to staying young at 63 years of age lay in her anger management skills.

Parlor games were also held and the winners came home with cash prizes and surprise gifts, while all of the attendees received a bag of groceries and packed lunch each, all care of the LGU.

Earlier in the week, OSCA also conducted tree-planting in Langiran, ‘socialization contest,’ and beauty treatments.