DSWD’s new project pays homage to role of elders, kids in nation building

In an effort to foster intergenerational bonding amid issues of generation gap, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) launched the Apo Ko: Kwento ni Lolo’t Lola, Gabay ng Kabataan Project on Friday (February 20) at the Haven for the Elderly in Tanay, Rizal.

The project aims to foster meaningful connections by bridging older persons in DSWD’s centers and residential care facilities (CRCF) with 4 to 5-year-olds who are attending early childhood care sessions in order to achieve mutual enrichment of the intergenerational sectors.

“Ang proyektong ito ay isang pagkilala sa karunungan ng mga matatanda bilang yaman ng ating lipunan at pagbibigay halaga sa paggabay sa ating mga kabataan bilang pag asa ng ating bayan,” Secretary Rex Gatchalian said in his message delivered by Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay Villar of the DSWD’s International Affairs, Attached and Supervised Agencies (IASAS) Group.

The DSWD chief said the Apo Ko project provides an opportunity for the elderly to share their wisdom gained from their experiences and impart good values to the children.

Under the project, a Dream Team of lolos and lolas from the Haven for the Elderly and Golden Reception and Action Center (GRACES) will lead storytelling sessions among young children in child development centers.

In addition, interactive workshops will also be held where the elderly and the children will collaborate on hands-on creative projects that will blend traditional skills with modern technology.

Aside from the values imparted to the new generation, the lolos and lolas from the center are able to experience bonding with the children as their “apo” or grandchild, according to the DSWD chief.

“More than the sharing of knowledge, these moments of interaction also nurture familial relationship,” Secretary Gatchalian pointed out.

Undersecretary Villar affirmed this as she shared the joy of her parents when she gave birth, and the positive impact of the children in their lives and health.

For his part, Tanay Mayor Rafael Tanjuatco expressed his gratitude to the DSWD for coming up with this innovative and timely project and for the conduct of the pilot implementation at the Haven for the Elderly located in the town.

The mayor said the project will benefit the children greatly, especially in addressing their fixation on gadgets.

Lolo Alfonso, a member of the Dream Team, also thanked the DSWD for coming up with this project involving the elderly as they also need activities.

“Para sa aming pag-iisip. Para din makapagbahagi sa mga bata,” Lolo Alfonso said.

Another Dream Team member, 75-year-old Lola Luisa said she is happy to be part of the program: “Makakatulong din kami sa mga kabataan para mapreserve mga social values tulad ng paggalang sa matatanda, pagmamahal sa mga matatanda, pagmamahal sa sarili, sa kapwa at higit sa lahat, sa Maykapal.”

Pauline Batac, mother of a 5-year-old participant, also shared her appreciation for the project which brings back memories of her bonding with her lolo who used to tell her stories.

“Nagulat po kami sa umpisa kasi may ganito po palang program ang DSWD, pero naging masaya po kami, na-excite kami sa program kasi yung lolo po niya wala na po,so na-excite kami kasi may storytelling daw with lolo at lola.”

With its pilot implementation underway, the DSWD hopes to make the project a model of intervention to foster mutual respect and nurture intergenerational relationships.

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