The Iloilo Provincial Government, through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, recognized seven municipalities for their outstanding contribution in enhancing the lives and promoting the welfare of senior citizens.
They were awarded during the Elderly Filipino Week Culminating Activity with the theme, " Senior Citizens - Building the Nation, Inspiring Generation” on October 31, 2024 at the Casa Real de Iloilo Grand Social Hall.
The municipality of Pavia was named the Most Senior Citizen-Friendly Municipality in the province of Iloilo. Mayor Luigi Gorriceta received the award from PSWDO Acting Provincial Government Department Head Rani Melvi Cuarte, PSWDO Technical Assistance Division Chief and Senior Citizen Focal Ann Rapunzal Ganzon, and Project Evaluation Officer II Ma. Theresa Comoda.
Pavia was recognized for their best practices for senior citizens such as the celebration of the Senior Citizen’s Week Celebration which features activities such as the Walk for Life and the Pavia Sayaw for Senior Citizens which is a fun light dance to support the wellness of the elderly.
Pavia also provides assistive devices and e-bike livelihood program to the elderly sikad drivers, and also offers free eye checkup and eyeglasses.
The municipality of Pototan placed second while the municipality of Santa Barbara won third place. Mayor Adi Lazaro and Mayor Dennis Superficial received the awards on behalf of their municipality.
The champion received a cash prize of P50,000 while the second and third placer received P30,000 and P20,000 respectively.
The four finalists are the municipalities of Badiangan, Guimbal, Miagao, and Leganes.
Cuarte said Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. is very supportive of the programs and projects for senior citizens under his social justice agenda MoRProGRes Iloilo.
Last year, Governor Defensor allotted P10 million as monetary awards and recognition to qualified octogenarian, nonagenarian, and centenarian in the province.
“This year, he allotted P3 million for the octogenarian, nonagenarian, and centenarian incentives already disbursed last July. But we know that it is not enough so Governor Toto added P7 million in our supplemental budget for 2024 and was already approved for implementation,” he said.
Provincial Administrator Raul Banias said the provincial government is also improving its programs on public health and hospital services to cater to the needs of the elderly. (Capitol News)
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