Saturday, October 06, 2007 Elderly support needed for Baguio’s centennial mark
DESPITE them being retired from their respective services, be in private or government, Baguio Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr. asked the elderly to extend their “duty” by giving their time for the city’s celebration of the centenary in 2009.
“I ask you this since you have been part in our development and have remained our guide,” said Bautista during the kickoff of Octoberfest at the Baguio Convention Center.
More than 1,000 elderlies from the Baguio Elderly Association (BEA) comprised of the PGREA, FBASECA, BARP Foundation and VFP-Baguio-CAR in their uniforms trooped to the center to witness 12 of their fellow senior citizens receive the Gintong Tala award.
Bautista also asked the senior citizens, whom he “excluded from the 7 p.m. curfew,” to help lobby with Senator Francisco Pangilinan for several amendment in the Juvenile Law and that 15 years and below children be not exempt from penalties for committing a crime.
“It is a reason why we implemented the 7 p.m. curfew so that youngsters will be home by that time and for them to avoid getting involved in the criminal acts,” he said.
Earlier, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo congratulated the organizers of the Baguio Elderly Filipino Octoberfest which awarded 12 elderlies including a former House Speaker who is now mayor of one the country’s biggest cities.
In a faxed message, the president mentioned of the efforts of the City Social Welfare Office and the BEA in coming out with the month-long festivity for senior citizens and which is in pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 470-1994 by then President Fidel Ramos and through Resolution 54-2004.
The President, chairman emeritus of the BEA, said, however, she was unable to join the activity due to pressing commitments in Manila.
Senator Edgardo Angara, in a faxed message, also said: “Please extend my congratulations to the recipients of the BEA Gintong Tala Award for the Most Outstanding Senior Citizens of the City.”
“It is my fervent hope that they keep up their dynamism and involvement in the community,” he added.
The Gintong Tala award list includes Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte for government service -- executive, who grew up in Baguio but who did not make it as he also celebrated his birthday; former Baguio councilor Edilberto Tenefrancia, government service -- legislative; Fernando Cabato, government service -- judiciary; Rev. Fr. Francis Daoey, religious and spiritual service; Dr. Virgilio Bautista, education; Betty del Rosario, business and trade; Benhur Villanueva, art and culture; Commander Robert Billasi, military service; lawyer Pablito Sanidad, journalism (columnist); Ricardo Balajadia for civic and social services; and, (Ret.) Col. Antonio Alviar for sports.
It is the fifth year of the BEA Octoberfest which will run for almost the whole month where various activities are slated starting with the Gintong Tala awards and which has the theme “Fostering a culture of caring and sharing toward the Baguio Centennial Year.”
Dr. Bautista said the mission of the elderlies is not yet finished as they will be a big help in the coming celebration of the Baguio Centennial. Dr. Bautista is the chairman of the Baguio Centennial Commission.
The month-long celebration also includes a sports fest featuring traditional Filipino games, a photo exhibit and the pista sa nayon where the lakambini will be known later this month.
