Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines (FSCAP) Presidents and Office of the Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA) Heads convened for their 4th Regional Convention at Summer Place Hotel, Baguio City, recently.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 1 (DSWD FO1) thru the Regional Social Pension Unit hosted the two-day gathering in observance of the Elderly Filipino Week or “Linggo ng Nakatatandang Pilipino” with the theme “Ang Nakatatanda ay Yaman, Katuwang sa Pag-unlad ng Bayan, Pangalagaan Kanilang Kapakanan.”
At least 300 participants attended the regionwide event where best practices, issues, concerns, and recommendations on the Social Pension Program implementation in every province were tackled after a brainstorming activity.
DSWD Regional Director Marcelo Nicomedes J. Castillo appreciated the efforts of all the FSCAP Presidents and OSCA Heads especially in the successful implementation of Republic Act 9994, also known as “The Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010” and the DSWD’s Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens. He encouraged them to continue the passion of serving the indigent senior citizens through crafting more resolutions for the benefit of the elderly.
Representatives from some partner agencies were also invited to discuss programs and services concerning senior citizen sector. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) discussed tax privileges provision of RA 9994. The Department of Agriculture (DA) provided updates on agricultural programs and services for the elderly. The benefits of being a member especially for indigent senior citizens were also articulated by the PhilHealth. Lastly, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) clarified issues on its Memo Circular No. 2011-88 on Policies and Guidelines Governing the Implementation of Senior Citizens Act of 2010.
As part of the celebration, various talents of some selected participants (11 pairs) and their modeling prowess in Filipiniana attire were revealed in the first ever Search for Super Lolo and Super Lola 2014. Malasiqui, Pangasinan FSCAP President Sofronio Domantay Sr. and Villasis, Pangasinan OSCA Head Belinda Barrozo, were crowned as the first Super Lolo and Super Lola 2014, respectively.
The oldest Centenarians of the Year awarded with plaques of appreciation are the following: Consuelo S. Valdez, 105, Vintar, Ilocos Norte; Crispulo V. Bueno, 104, San Juan, Ilocos Sur; Bruno D. Panes, 104, Agoo, La Union; Filomena S. Corpuz, 104, Anda, Pangasinan; and Encarnacion Z. Castro, 105, Lingayen, Pangasinan. (by: Jaesem Ryan A. Gaces, Administrative Assistant III, NHTS-PR/Listahanan)
