(Speech delivered by T. Anthony C. Cabangon at the Dangal Awards)
The Dakilang Adhikain ng Ating Lahi, or Dangal, Awards for Elderly Care is really made for the BusinessMirror. I’ll give you three reasons why.
First, the BusinessMirror celebrates its anniversary in October, and October is the Senior Citizens’ Month.
Second, the BusinessMirror is probably the only newspaper in the country that has a special page for the elderly, we call it the Elderly page, which comes out every Monday in our main section. Doctors write columns for the Elderly page every week to give our senior citizens tips on how they can live their lives to the fullest. It also informs the elderly of their rights.
Third, my father, Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua, ordered us to come up with an advocacy for our senior citizens, to help make sure proper attention and care are being given to them.
So putting all those three together, we arrived at the BusinessMirror Dangal Awards for Elderly Care. And we are very glad that our friends from the United Bayanihan Foundation and RiteMed readily offered their all-out support to the project.
We started recognizing exemplary elderly citizens last year during our eighth anniversary celebration. These are the seniors at the grassroots level—generally unnoticed but still persevering, despite their age and condition, to do good deeds for their fellow senior citizens.
For the Second BusinessMirror Dangal Awards for Elderly Care, aside from individual awardees, we also included the local government units (LGUs), represented by the Office of Senior Citizens Associations, or Osca. The idea is to recognize the Oscas with the best programs for their elderly constituents and, at the same time, push LGUs to launch better programs for our seniors.
So this year, we are recognizing five individuals and four LGUs for their elderly care programs.
If you would sit down with them, listen to their stories and see how passionately they share their works, their projects in their areas, you would wonder why these people are not being recognized that much at the national level.
That is what we are hoping to correct through the BusinessMirror Dangal Awards for Elderly Care. Working for the benefit of others in their twilight years, truly these awardees are worthy of recognition.
Here are the winners:
Outstanding elderly citizens
The BusinessMirror, in partnership with the United Bayanihan Foundation, RiteMed and CDO-Foodsphere, holds its Second Dangal (Dakilang Adhikain ng Ating Lahi) Awards for Elderly Care in recognition of the noble effort of the elderly who still choose to serve, despite their age, by making the lives of our senior-citizen community easier through different initiatives.
The awarding ceremony was held on October 17 at the Genting Club in Resorts World Manila, coinciding with the BusinessMirror’s celebration of its ninth anniversary.
Ricardo A. Carpio
AT the age of 83, Ricardo “Carding” A. Carpio of San Mateo, Rizal, could not have done more for his fellow senior citizens as he already has served them for almost two decades. Cliché as it may be, but for him “life goes on” so as his personal advocacy of helping others, especially those in their twilight years like him.
It was in 1996 when he started to dedicate himself to provide assistance to his counterparts as he became the vice president of Sta. Ana Senior Citizens Association Inc. Apart from the usual projects the organization had, what’s most memorable and selfless endeavor he had was when he bought out of his pocket over 100 chairs and offered them for lease to raise money for the association.
That simple, yet inspiring, act no doubt had elevated him to the group’s presidency from 2004 to 2007. With his leading position, it gave him the privilege to work on a “bigger” project for the construction of the senior citizens’ building.
“Noong panahon na ’yon kung saan-saan lang nagmi-meeting ang federation ng senior citizens, kaya’t naisipan kong humingi ng tulong sa namayapang mayor ng San Mateo na si Jose “Peping” Diaz na ama ng ating kasalukuyang mayor na si Jose Rafael Evangelista Diaz [During the time, the federation’s meetings were held anywhere, hence, I thought of asking the help of our mayor then],” he recalls.
With the deceased local chief executive’s benevolence, the association was given a 500-square-meter lot in Gitnang Bayan Uno, San Mateo, Rizal. Luckily enough when he approached reelected Second District Rep. Isidro S. Rodriguez Jr., the construction of the Federation of Senior Citizens Center was funded with P2 million and eventually completed in 2006. Now that he’s acting as an adviser for the organization, he also volunteers as the caretaker of such building.
“Natutawa po ako at nakakatulong pa din po ako sa mga senior citizens at sa mga mamamayan na nangangailangan. Hangga’t nabubuhay po ako, hinding-hindi po ako magsasawang tumulong sa abot ng aking makakaya [I’m happy that I can still help my fellow senior citizens and others who are in need. I will not stop with it until my last breath],” Carpio says.
All his contributions—beyond his numerous accolades—are what he wants to leave as his legacy not only to his seven children and 21 grandchildren but also to the many people he has worked with.
Carmelita O. Lauraya
“GROWING old is God’s blessing, especially when you have reached this age,” says Carmelita “Chuchie” O. Lauraya, one of the most active elderly of Barangay Concepcion Dos in Marikina City.
A certified public accountant with a master’s degree in Public Administration, she served in various government offices in her younger years. But since 2002, she started being active in the community by committing in various senior citizens organizations.
She founded the Senior Citizens Association of Concepcion Dos in 2002 and has since served as its adviser. She considers the organization’s constitution and bylaws as her greatest contribution. He also served as vice president of Diamond Citizens Association of Concepcion Dos Inc. in 2004 and president in 2006.
She also became the chairman of the barangay’s Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (Osca) in 2007, and the treasurer of Marikina City Federation of Senior Citizens Associations in the same year.
Nowadays, Lauraya spends her days praying, exercising, gardening and helping in the planning and implementing of activities initiated by the Osca, such as outreach programs, visiting the sick and social dancing.
Other programs of Marikina for the elderly include “Katas ng VAT” for 70 years old and above, social pension and mutual-aid fund.
“Guiding my children with love; wholeheartedly serving others, especially those in need and the elderly; and giving energy and strength to the sick and disabled—these are the things that give me ultimate happiness and inner peace,” Lauraya says. “I believe that the purpose of my life is to serve God, my family and the community lovingly and unconditionally as long as I’m alive and capable.”
Cesar Villones
ANGONO, Rizal, surely finds blessing in Dr. Cesar Villones—a war veteran, a charitable dentist and citizen, a former government official, and an active leader among senior citizens not only in the municipality, but also in the whole province of Rizal.
Villones, who just turned 90 years old, served as the councilor of the municipality from 1956 to 1959, and from 1969 to 1963, then vice mayor of the municipality from 1971 to 1980, and from 1993 to 1995. He also served as the president of Barangay Santo Niño Senior Citizens Association in 1995, president of the Federation of Senior Citizens of Angono from 1995 to 2000, president of the Angono Youth Welfare Council, president of the Rizal Dental Society, and district commander of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines since 2010, among his many other affiliations.
He also received the Distinguished Service Award in 1996; special citation for fighting drug addiction in the province of Rizal, and Outstanding Citizen Award in 2008.
“When I started, there was no active organization servicing the veterans and elders,” he recalls. “This is why I initiated programs and activities. I asked help from my children—who were already in the States then—to send strips for diabetes, medicines and tools, among many others, to start servicing our elderly.”
“Since I am also a dentist, I also did dental services—checkups, cleaning, extraction, filling and even dentures—all for free. This is the reason when you ask anyone in the municipality for a certain ‘Dr. Villones,’ they would almost always know where to lead you,” he shares.
He was also among those who pushed for the establishment of the municipality’s center for senior citizens and veterans, where they can hold meetings and other activities. “I am also an elderly, so I know and try to help with what they need,” he says.
To this date, Villones remains active in conducting lectures among the senior citizens to create awareness and implementing other programs of the municipality for the elderly. He is also active in conducting livelihood programs in the barangay, medical and dental missions province-wide, and “Parade Walk for Life” every month.
Ignacio Cruz
AN overseas Filipino worker in his peak years, Ignacio “Asiong” Cruz has dedicated his life to serving the community, particularly the senior citizen in Barangay Ugong in Pasig City, upon retirement.
Cruz—who takes pride in having four children who are all licensed professionals—served as the president of Ugong Senior Citizens Association (Usca) from 1997 to 2010, and now its vice president and officer in charge. He is also a member of Katarungan Pang-Barangay from 1997 to 2010. “I’m doing my best to help the senior citizens of our barangay,” says Cruz, who was also named the Outstanding Senior Citizen of Pasig in 2003. The elderly of Barangay Ugong enjoy free antiflu vaccine, medicines, yearly P2,000, cake for their birthday and activities to keep them fit and healthy, such as gardening, chess, bingo and darts, among others.
Cruz also initiated the Usca Walking Club and “Halaman sa Paso” program.
“I always remind them to always take care of themselves and, as a famous doctor said, ‘Eat your medicine!’” Cruz laughs.
Rodrigo Evano
A FORMER principal of the Sacred Heart Academy in Oriental Mindoro, Rodrigo “Rudy” Evano of Barangay Manggahan in Pasig City has committed to a life of service even as a nonsenior citizen. Now that he is in his retirement years, he is still dedicated to serving others.
Evano held the post of the president of Napico Senior Citizens Association (Nasca) from 1997 to 2011, president of the Federation of Senior Citizens of Pasig City Inc. (FSCAPCI) from 2005 to 2011; and Executive Vice President of DSWD Regional Senior Citizens Federation NCR from 2008 to 2011.
He has also initiated projects and programs aimed at making the lives of senior citizens better.
In 2002 he initiated the Halaman sa Paso project, which aims to help the city’s Clean and Green campaign by planting ornamental plants, including vegetables in the so-called container gardening.
He also founded in 2007 the Nasca Memorial Plan, where, for only P200 annually, the beneficiary of the deceased elderly can avail himself of P6,000 financial benefit. He also founded the Junior and Senior Program, which aims to prepare the nonsenior for entry of being a senior citizen. Likewise, he also initiated the Gandang Lola program, as well as livelihood projects, annual field trips and visiting the sick. He also requested for the establishment of a senior citizens office.
When he became the FSCAPCI president, he initiated bowling tournament for senior citizens, organized the Tai Chi Club and proposed to the city council to give the senior citizens a monthly allowance, among others. He also brought to the city-wide level the Gandang Lola program, which grannies eagerly joined.
Evano is also an inventor: He developed devices that would reduce dengue and fire, a model for train without rails and “Jomath”—his most popular invention so far—a simple device made of a windowed pencil case that is of great help for pupils in mastering the 390 basic mathematical combinations. He used to visit elementary schools to promote this simple, yet practical and enjoyable, learning tool.
“I never want to stop because I know I will start to become weak when I do,” he says.
Outstanding LGU Programs for the Elderly
ASIDE from senior individuals, who have dedicated their lives to the service of others despite their age, local government units (LGUs) that have outstanding programs for the elderly will also be recognized. This is aimed to inspire and encourage other LGUs to follow suit.
Cainta
TRUE to its root as one of the oldest municipality in the province of Rizal founded on August 15, 1571, Cainta never fails to show its love and support of the elderly constituents. A first-class urban town today, the leadership sees to it that the oldies are always on top of its priorities in terms of social services.
In fact, according to Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (Osca) Head Nelie Agag, her fellows have been benefited by the various programs created for them by the municipality ever since Mayor Johnielle Keith Nieto assumed his position in 2013.
First of which, she cited, are the grocery items that Osca-registered seniors get on their natal day. To the convenient of the oldies, these goodies are delivered right their doorsteps.
On top of the monthly social pension of P500 that the national government doles out to indigent senior citizens, the municipality of Cainta itself, likewise, gives the equivalent amount to them, she added. What’s good about the additional P500 is that it is entitled to all those who are 80 years old and above, whether in need or not.
Beyond the monetary assistance, a better way of caring for the elders is guaranteeing their health condition, by which, the local government of Cainta provides through free hospitalization in state-run hospitals and supply of medicine. And, to the departed ones, burial services and “decent resting place” for the deceased in public cemeteries are extended to the bereaved families pro bono.
“Marami na pong ipinagkaloob ang aming butihing mayor sa aming mga katandaan sa Cainta simula ng siya ay manungkulan sa amin. Lubos po ang aming pasasalamat sa pagpapakita ng kanyang pagmamahal sa amin. [Our mayor has already given us elderly many benefits since he has taken the role of leading us. We thank him a lot for showing his love to us],” Agag says.
Marikina
THE local government of Marikina believes that the senior citizens hold a vital role in the city and has, therefore, different programs to address their needs and encourage them to continue to live healthy and productive lives so they can share their wealth of experience in the task of city-building.
Rodolfo de Guzman, officer in charge of the Marikina City Federation of Senior Citizens Association, enumerates the projects and programs the city has come up with to take care of its elderly. “We were able to create programs that captured the interest of Marikina senior citizens to join and be active in the activities of Osca,” he says.
Among which are the free influenza vaccines for indigent senior citizens, which have reached 6000 recipients from 16 barangays; medical and dental missions; neuropsychological test for the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease; social pension; and death and burial assistance.
Likewise, de Guzman says the elderly also enjoy physical fitness and cultural activities, such as tai chi, line dancing, ground golf and tap dance competitions. Leadership seminars and livelihood training, such as paper-crafting, candle-making and bead work are also conducted.
Moreover, a number of health-care programs and benefits were held in the Marikina lifestyle center that is beneficial to its members, like PhilHealth membership campaign and lifestyle-modification lectures.
“It is worth noting that it is now being used by different convening groups that provide healthy physical aging and livelihoods,” de Guzman says. “The programs created and being held in the lifestyle center targets to continue to help and promote healthy lifestyle and active ageing to its senior members for them to enjoy life as they age.”
Parañaque
IN honor of the significant contribution of the elderly to community development and nation-building, Parañaque is gifting them with perks and privileges that they deserve.
Osca Director Dante Pacheco says the city government is taking care of its senior constituents by implementing different services to their advantage under the mandatory, essential, hospice, and care programs his office has initiated.
These are evident in the law enacted by no less than Parañaque City Mayor Edwin L. Olivarez, giving financial benefits for the estimated 50,000 senior citizens under the Senior Cash Transfer Program, as well as death-benefit aids.
The ordinance, which officially took effect in January 2014, mandates the allocation of P27 million for the first year of the implementation to finance the cash transfers and death benefits. Thereafter, an amount of P29.5 million will be automatically appropriated for the succeeding years, with a provision of a 20-percent increase if deemed necessary by the implementing offices.
As per the ordinance, Pacheco says the oldies get a P500 cash gift during their birthday, and another P500 come Yuletide as their year-end cash gift. “Also included are grocery bags [as Christmas presents],” the Osca director says. “For next year, we have a budget of P47 million.”
Instead of the usual cake given in other cities, the local government of Parañaque provides a complete checkup during the birth month of a senior constituent, Pacheco says. He added that indigents are also granted free laboratory examination and PhilHealth coverage.
Through the issued Osca Cares card resulting from the laws enactment, senior citizens are extended with privileges, such as discounts for medicine, transportation, restaurants and even in cinemas. The survivors of elderly who pass away, on the other hand, are entitled to at least P2,000 in death benefits.
The city government, likewise, has initiated various fora exclusively for senior citizens that promote health and nutrition, wellness, and social and spiritual enhancements. It is for this reason that the city heath office of Parañaque is chosen by the Alliance of Healthy Cities in Western Pacific Region to present its good practices on how it takes good care of the elderly in its up-and-coming Global Convention in Hong Kong on October 29.
Muntinlupa
WHILE in the past, most plans and programs of the City Government of Muntinlupa were focused mainly on infrastructure and economic progress, the recent years saw the implementation of concrete initiatives for different sectors, especially the aged population of around 30,000. These are anchored on holistic approach to address the physical, mental and social needs of the elderly.
In the forefront of which is the Osca, led by Officer in Charge (OIC) Maricel Labra-Dacuycuy. Through its partnership with the senior citizens associations in nine barangays, the Muntinlupa Advocacy on the Need for Older Person’s Program Opportunities (Mano Po) came into being that provides manifold benefits with the oldies.
For their health and wellness, medical missions, free eye checkup and walking aids, as well as portable medical kits for every barangay organizations, have been provided. As for the social aspect, Osca has already distributed a monthly pension of P1,000 to at least 90-year-old residents. She said, “We have around 190 beneficiaries, regardless of their status. By next year, we expect to cover about 240-plus beneficiaries.”
In addition, the P15,000 monthly allowance given by the Office of Mayor Jaime Fresnedi to community associations—apart from the P10,000 monthly allocation for the officers—is helpful also to fund the projects of 107 chapters of senior citizens’ groups in Muntinlupa. In fact, Labra-Dacuycoy noted that around P2 million has been released since the local chief executive was catapulted at the mayoralty seat last year.
Beside free cinema, members of the association’s chapters enjoy trips in the provinces of Rizal, Batangas, Laguna and Quezon for education and leisure, with provision of a bus for their comfort. Also, Osca regularly holds senior citizens summits, in cooperation with United Laboratories Inc.
For these gatherings and other relatedsocial events for the elderly and homeowners association for every barangay, the city government allocates annually P5.9 million for the construction of a pavilion. It targets at least two buildings annually until 2016. For this year, three pavilions have already been built.
“Our budget allocation for Osca in 2014 is P9.2 million. And this 2015, we have P13.5 million. These only show how supportive is our city government to our senior citizens. Hence, on our part, we will further push our programs for the elderly,” the OIC of Osca stresses.
Janica Monick Riego and Roderick Abad