Agusan Sur honors elderly residents, distributes cash gift for 90, 95 years old
By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) — In recognition of the invaluable contributions of the elderly from the 13 municipalities and lone city of Bayugan in Agusan del Sur, senior citizens gathered for this year’s provincial celebration of the Elderly Filipino Week.
With the theme, “Embracing Age: Living a Life with Dignity and Purpose,” the event was held at the Provincial Learning Center, D.O. Plaza Government Center in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur on Nov.10.
It highlighted the expression of gratitude to the elderly, showcase their talents, bring them joy, and acknowledge their vital role in community development.
“We celebrate the Elderly Filipino Week every year pursuant to Proclamation No. 470, series of 1994, which declares the first week of October as Linggo ng Katandaang Pilipino or Elderly Filipino Week. However, some local government units (LGUs), Agusan del Sur for one, chose to extend the celebration beyond October,” said Lawyer Florence June Bantugan, office in-charge of the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) Caraga.
“This celebration is dedicated to all senior citizens who have greatly contributed to nation-building, particularly here in the Philippines,” he added.
Bantugan, who also served as the event’s keynote speaker, provided updates on programs and benefits available to senior citizens, including policy and planning, health and wellness, and actions for development and nation-building.
“We are currently implementing the Expanded Centenarian Act’ Program of the NCSC which provides P10,000 to those reaching the milestone ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95, and P100,000 along with a letter of felicitation from the Office of the President for those who reach 100 years old,” he said.
During the event, a nonagenarian cash gift worth P50,000 from the provincial government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS) was formally awarded to Rosita Quinob, 97, from the municipality of Sta. Josefa, Agusan del Sur. She is one of the beneficiaries of Ordinance No. 681, or the AgSurnon Nonagenarian Ordinance, established in 2021 to recognize the contributions of the elderly in their respective communities.
“There are more nonagenarian awardees this year compared to last year, and Nanay Rosita is among those we honor today,” said Razel Montemor, head of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).
The Annual Provincial Celebration of Elderly Filipino Week in Agusan del Sur is more than just a ceremony—it serves as a heartfelt opportunity to honor and cherish the wisdom, strength, and stories of all the senior citizens in the different communities in the province.
The event highlighted the vital role they play in shaping the community and encourages everyone to approach aging with respect, kindness, and purpose. It brings generations together, inspiring a deeper appreciation for the elderly not only during the celebration but every day. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur with the report from PTV Agusan del Sur)
