SAN JOSE De BUENAVISTA, Antique – More than 1,000 senior citizens from the 18 towns of Antique province gathered for their 2016 Congress at the EBJ Gymnasium in the capital town San Jose de Buenavista, on December 13.
Dr. Neneth Q. Pador, Iloilo Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer and the keynote speaker of the affair, said she was mesmerized by the huge number of elderly who showed their vitality and agility as they paraded from the Antique capitol to the EBJ Gymnasium.“Age is just an issue of the mind,” Pador said, adding with the talents showcased by the seniors through dancing, singing and drama, it is a misnomer that “the elderly has nothing to offer anymore.” Pador said older people are inspirations to community building and national development. Thus, they are not supposed to stop learning and contributing for the good of their community.
She also urged the seniors to demand the benefits provided them under Republic Act 9994 to include the 20-percent discount on goods and services and the fast lane when they go buy their grocery for these are their privileges. Meanwhile, Antique Vice Gov. Edgar Denosta said seniors are considered “living heroes of today’s generation.” He said they molded the present-day generation so they also give honor to their province. Denosta said seniors possess wisdom and experience the youth still do not have. Antique board member Fernando Corvera and San Jose de Buenavista town mayor Elmer Untaran also lauded the seniors for their active participation and assured them of support in their programs and activities. The affair was also supported by Gov. Rhodora J. Cadiao who allocated fund for the gathering of the Federation of Senior Citizens Associations of the Philippines, Antique branch.