ILOILO City – Carrying their message of dignity, strength, and inclusion, more than 300 senior citizens and supporters filled the streets of Iloilo City on October 1 in a “Walk for Life” that kicked off Elderly Filipino Week with a powerful demand: communities must be age-friendly and the elderly must not be left behind.
The event, led by the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) Region 6 with the Iloilo City Government, honored the contributions of older persons while spotlighting their rights to respect and active participation in society.
“Our objective is to enhance public awareness regarding the rights and welfare of older persons,” stressed NCSC-6 regional director Ann Rapunzel Ganzon, who emphasized the need for inclusive, supportive communities that allow seniors to live fulfilling lives.
A March of Strength and Solidarity
The march, which began at Sta. Ana Parish in Molo district and ended at the Iloilo Esplanade, was followed by a Zumba session. Fitness instructors led routines tailored to seniors, encouraging wellness and social interaction while proving that age is no barrier to vitality.
Federation of Senior Citizens’ Associations of the Philippines (FSCAP)-Iloilo City president Elpidio Locsin said the gathering sent a strong signal of empowerment.
“Ang importance sini, ginapahibalo sang senior citizens nga able pa sila and may capacity pa sila, that they are not alone, that they are not left behind. They are still part of nation-building,” he told Panay News.
He hailed senior citizens who participated in the march and Zumba: “Pila ayhan to ka energy ang na-burn. Kay kun sa balay lang, wala. Diri, at least nakaginhawa kag naka-exercise. Since 2019, yearly na ini nga celebration namon.”
Recognition, Not Neglect
For Eleanor Gregorio, head of the Iloilo City Office of Senior Citizens Affairs, activities like these highlight that seniors are not to be side-lined. Instead, they must be recognized as vital members of the community.
Throughout the week, similar programs will unfold in Iloilo and across the region to uplift seniors through wellness, purpose, and dignity.
Giving Seniors a Voice
Danilo Gison, 72, executive vice president of FSCAP Board of Director-Iloilo City, said their group works closely with agencies to ensure seniors’ needs are addressed.
“Gina-involve namon ang mga partner agencies (Department of Social Welfare and Development, city government). More than 30,000 members kami. Ang amon role sa FSCAP is to assess the agency sang gobyerno nga magpatuman sang kon ano nga programa, dira kita naga-asister. May mga barangay chapters kita nga ga-facilitate sa mga kabarangayan, ma-monitor sang problema sang mga senior citizens kag ipaabot naton sa mga concerned agency,” Gison explained.
FSCAP-Iloilo City also provides practical support such as burial assistance and welfare incentives to ensure dignity for members and their families./PN
