FIRST ELDERLY SUMMIT – Mayor Belen T. Fernandez officiates the oath-taking of the new set of officers in the Federation of Senior Citizen Association of the Philippines (FSCAP) Dagupan Chapter 2019 to 2021 headed by Roberto Pasaron (2nd from right) during the first elderly summit at CSI Stadia on February 21. Also present were Dagupan Historical Culture and the Arts Office head and FSCAP Treasurer Zenaida Sinlao (6th from left), Liga mga Barangay President Dean Bryan Kua, Councilors Marvin Fabia, Dennis Canto, Joey Tamayo, former Councilors Karlos Reyna IV and Michael Fernandez and Caranglaan chairwoman Tess Coquia. (CIO photo by Jojo Tamayo)
DAGUPAN CITY – The city of Dagupan, through its City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), sponsored the first ever elderly summit at CSI Stadia on February 21.
More than 500 members of the Barangay Senior Citizens Associations (BASCA) attended the summit which included various lectures on laws and health concerning senior citizens.
CSWDO chief Leah Aquino shared the city’s programs and services for the elderly while City Health Officer Dr. Ophelia Rivera discussed the common health issues of the elderly as well as shared tips on how to remain healthy.
Meanwhile, Edwina C. Masi, the focal person on senior citizens of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Office I, bared the latest updates on the guidelines of social pension and several other laws on senior citizens such as the Expanded Senior Citizen’s Act of 2010 and the Centenarian Act of 2016.
An open forum was also held during the summit that addressed certain queries or concerns of the elderly.
At the same time, Mayor Fernandez swore in the new set of officers in the Federation of Senior Citizen Association of the Philippines (FSCAP) Dagupan Chapter 2019 to 2021 headed by Roberto Pasaron.
They were joined by Liga President Kua, Councilors Marvin Fabia, Dennis Canto, Joey Tamayo, former Councilors Karlos Reyna IV and Michael Fernandez and Caranglaan chairwoman Tess Coquia.
The mayor, in her message, underscored the importance of maintaining the good health of the elderly.
She shared the city’s plans to provide more medicines for senior citizens, as well as to purchase a mobile clinic which will cater to suffering or incapacitated senior citizens in remote areas and barangays.
Fernandez added that a committee on health should be established among the elderly of every barangay which will empower senior citizens to take care of their fellow elderly and bring their needs effectively to the city government.
Following the success of the summit, a general assembly of all the senior citizens in the city will soon be held in order to reach and engage all elderly in the city. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)