A REGULAR Sunday morning was made special by 200 elders who came close together for the "Walk of Life."
Shirly T. Gabutin, Provincial Social Welfare and Development officer, said the event kicked off the celebration of thee Filipino elderly week, which aims to give homage to Filipino senior citizens.
"Ang ini nga adlaw, isa ka kickoff activity naton sa bug-os nga Pilipinas, sa pag selebrar naton sang Filipino elderly week. This is a simultaneous activity sa regional level," she said during the opening program on Sunday, September 30, at GTIC Function Hall, San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras.
The senior citizens were treated to song and dance performances after the parade.
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth)-Guimaras provided inputs about the benefits that senior citizens can avail themselves of, while their spiritual being was nourished through the gospel sharing activity.
Governor Samuel T. Gumarin underscored the role of the elders for the advancement of the society as the guiding light for young generation.
Gumarin also emphasized the commitment of the Provincial Government of Guimaras to improve the health system of the province for the benefit of the senior citizens.
"Gapangayo kami bulig sa inyo nga sa gihapon ang inyo wisdom kag eksperyensiya mapalab-ot niyo sa mga kabataan naton sama sunod nga mga edad. Bululigan naton ini. Kun gusto naton nga mag alam aton mga kabataan kag mapuslan sila pila kaadlaw sang ila pamilya, ang mga lolo lag lola dapat ara gid nga magduso sang kaayuhan sang ila mga apo," Gumarin said.
(We ask that you impart your wisdom and experience to the next generation. Let us help them. If we want the youth to be useful to their families, the grandparents must be there to guide them.)
Participants were also encouraged to practice healthy lifestyle.
Josefina G. dela Cruz, chairperson of the Committee on Education and Social Services of the 8th Sangguniang Panlalawigan, said exercise and healthy diet are the keys to live longer.
"Gifted kamo sang the gift of life. Kagina naangkon naton tungod man sang aton pagpursige (We achieved this because of our hard work)," she said. "Kay bisan ano nga bagay kun kita naga-enjoy sa aton ginahimo, that is a form of exercise (If we find happiness in what we're doing, that still is a form of exercise). So exercise, healthy food," she added.
This year's theme is "Kilalanin at Parangalan: Tagsulong ng Karapatan ng Nakakatanda tungo sa Lipunang Mapagkalinga."