CHRISTENDOM’S greatest event is undoubtedly the traditional commemoration every 25th of December of the birth of its spiritual Rockstar -- JESUS CHRIST. It is just around the corner. Indeed, this early the glitter of multi-colored lights adorning lanterns and Christmas trees and abound presaging the goodwill and benevolence of Christmas.
And so, during the monthly meeting of senior citizens’ representatives comprising the municipalities/cities of Pampanga, on top of the agenda is the yearly holding of the Christmas party show-casing dance, song and declamation numbers courtesy of senior citizens’ contingents from the local federations. Kidding aside, the stamina and seductive grind exhibited by these grey-haired fairies belied their golden years. The youthful energy and sensuality still bubbles-up although some sort of bravado in order to keep-up with the cadence and pace of the music is traceable. Then, the song numbers, in solo or groups, bring back the melodious romanticism of kundiman songs reminiscent of the legendary tandem of our very own Rogelio de la Rosa and Carmen Rosales. And the recital of home-grown oratory lurks the shadow of Apung Dadong Macapagal and that famous poet laureate Tito Gallardo that raises the adrenalin in that timid stallion to summon the guts to intimate his suppressed desire to the woman of his dream.
Watching this live shows is irresistibly educational as it throws ones memory back to the era of serenade and poetic machismo in contrast to the unadorned and wacky language of the present. I hope sooner than later that TV Series “Little Big Shots” will have a counterpart, e.g., “Golden Age Rockstars”. Anyway, the Christmas Party will be held on December 23, 2017, at 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the SM Pampanga Event Center. Watch it.
On another issue, the body did not accept my wish to relinquish my chairmanship of the board of trustees of the association as conveyed in the issue of SunStar Pampanga dated November 15, 2017. I am very thankful for the show of trust in me. But at some future time, I wish that the opportunity to discharge the responsibilities of the position will be assumed by a similarly capable and highly motivated colleague. But, I reassured I am not turning my back to the cause of my peers.
Other highlights of the meeting are: firstly, the integration of all statutorily-granted benefits/privileges presently enjoyed by senior citizens and the eventual transfer of the responsibility in the delivery of such benefits to the proposed Senior Citizens Commission. As of now, the dispensation of all benefits that senior citizens are entitled to receive under the Expanded Senior Citizens Law is being undertaken by designated national and local agencies. Hopefully, the afore-suggested transfer will not only enhance efficiency in the delivery of mandated benefits under RA 9994, as amended, but also do away with the bureaucratic discrimination and arrogance presently complained of by the elderly.
Secondly, the statutory empowerment of senior citizens to participate in the deliberation of local legislatures in the same manner that the youth sector is empowered. Hopefully, the desired enabling law will entitle duly elected representatives of senior citizens to contribute their wisdom, experience, and patriotism in the crafting of bills designed to transformed local government units as genuine frontline partners in nation-building.
Thirdly, to make representation with the municipal/city mayors of Pampanga and their respective Sanggunians, by way of a Board Resolution, to the effect that the honorarium that OSCA heads are entitled to receive under RA 9994 be given due course. At present, OSCA heads are short-changed in what is rightfully due them. Optimistically, this can be addressed by the required budget appropriation which is properly the concern of the local Sanggunians.
And lastly, there is confidence that the Honorable Governor, Lilia “Nanay” Pineda, the promised working office for the Federation of Senior Citizens of Pampanga will be a dream project come true. The meeting adjourned with a prayer hopeful that the wishes of our Senior Citizens will be concretized in the coming days through executive and legislative action. Thank you to PAGCOR and to all those who in one way or the other shared their blessings to make the forthcoming Christmas Party of Senior Citizens fulfilling. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!