BAGUIO City is a livable place for the elderly.
Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda highlighted this in a press conference in celebration of the Filipino Elderly Month.
"The environment of Baguio is conducive for senior citizens," she said.
She emphasized the many centenarians in the city are living proofs the city is a healthy and friendly environment not only for the young but also for the elderly.
With the climate and pleasant air in the city, she said old people can go out any time to take a breath of fresh air.
Although she admitted the central business district is not an ideal place to go to because of air pollution, she said there are a lot of different places particularly parks they may visit during their leisure time.
Department of Health-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CAR) Senior Citizen Program coordinator Cherrie Caliza agreed saying although there are senior citizens who suffer from health conditions which she consider normal as people age, there are accessible health services for them in the city.
One of them is the conduct of the medical mission on October 22 where the DOH-CAR in partnership with the City Health Services Office will have a free pneumococcal and influenza vaccine.
Tabanda added the different barangay health centers will also set schedules for free distribution of medicines such as maintenance medicines for diabetes, highblood and other illnesses for aged people particularly senior citizens.
Furthermore, to ensure safe access of the elderly to establishments, the Department of Public Works and Highways is also keen on making sure the establishments are persons with disabilities (PWD) and senior citizen friendly.
City Social Welfare and Development Officer also noted senior citizens in Baguio have an active social life.
Aside from the projects of the city government, the different federations and associations of senior citizens organize social events such as community services or programs that aim to give entertainment to their fellow senior citizens.
The CSWDO will lead activities for the aged people in Baguio City in celebration of the Filipino Elderly Month this October.
There will be a drug and disaster forum on Oct. 10 at the Senior Citizens Center; sports fest at the Melvin Jones Grandstand on Oct. 17; a medical mission at the Senior Citizens Center on Oct. 22; "Pista sa Nayon: Ulirang lolo/lola and cultural contest" and other activities at the Baguio Convention Center on October 28.