Senior citizens were filled with joy and vigor with the opportunity to celebrate with their peers during the Senior Citizens’ Day held at the Municipal Events Center, April 3, thanks to the efforts of the Office of Senior Citizens’ Affairs under their energetic Chairwoman Iluminada Mabanglo and the Federation of Senior Citizens Association of Bayambang.

“We have so much to learn from you,” Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao stressed in his speech, pertaining to the elders’ priceless contributions to the town and for its next generations. He also recognized their big part in accomplishing one of the goals of the Bayambang Poverty Reduction Action Plan 2018-2028 — to inculcate their life lessons in the young.

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Sabangan talked about the ongoing distribution of eyeglasses for seniors, which he said is one of the services included in the LGU’s massive outreach program called Komprehensibong Serbisyo sa Bayan.

Akbayan representative Sen. Risa Hontiveros was invited to talk about proposals concerning the benefits that could be received by the senior citizens nationwide. These include the Linga para kay Lolo at Lola Act which will be aimed at increasing the monthly entitlement of every senior citizen from P500 to P1,000 per month, and establishing a Universal Social Pension System wherein citizens of ages 65 and older will receive P1,000, while those classified as indigent of ages 64 and younger will also receive P1,000. Hontiveros added that every 2 years, the act will be reviewed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development to study the possibility of further increase.

In addition, Hontiveros also mentioned the Anti-Elder Abuse Bill, which will seek to give senior citizens the rights to avail protection and legal assistance from any public legal assistance office or local government unit.

The senior citizens proved their youthfulness at heart with their active participation in the singing and dance contests and games held during the event. (Photos by Sherna J. Pinzon and James Marc Aquino)