The DSWD and DOH contingents led the ‘Walk for Life” parade ushering the Elderly Filipino Week celebration on October 1-7; Assistant Secretary Enrique Tayag of the Department of Health leads the ‘Hataw’ exercise joined by senior citizens; Director Patricia B. Luna expounds on the programs and   services provided by the DSWD and its partner-agencies to improve the quality of lives of older persons

Senior citizens from the 17 cities and municipalities of Metro Manila braved the early morning downpour on October 1 to join the ‘Walk for Life,” at the SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

The “Walk for Life” kicked-off the Elderly Filipino Week from October 1-7. It is held annually to enhance awareness of the public on the health concerns and well-being of older persons.

Senior citizens and contingents from participating government agencies paraded from the giant globe area to the Music Hall at SM MOA. The parade was followed by a short program with Assistant Secretary Enrique Tayag of the Department of Health and DSWD Social Technology Bureau Director Patricia B. Luna delivering inspirational messages.

Likewise, senior citizens from Las Piñas, Valenzuela, Pasay, Muntinlupa,     Pateros, and Mandaluyong participated in the “May Talento at Kakayanan pa Kami” got talent competition with the representative from Mandaluyong City as winner.

Other participating agencies and NGOs are: Departments of Trade and Industry, Education, Finance, Interior and Local Government, and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA); Coalition of Services for the Elderly (COSE), Coalition of Senior Citizens Associations of the Philippines (COSCAP), Philippine United Senior Citizens Association (PUSCA), SM Supermalls and Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) of the 17 cities and municipalities of NCR.

This year’s EFW theme “Nakatatanda: Sa Bisa ng RA 9994, May Dangal, Nagkakaisa, Buhay ay Gumiginhawa,” focuses on how the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 has improved the lives of older persons.

Other activities for EFW include: intergenerational concert on October 3 at SM Fairview, Kimona ni Lola fashion show on October 5 at SM Manila, Policy/Aging Forum on October 4, Dalaw Kalinga on October 6; and the Sampung Ulirang Nakatatanda Awards on October 7. ###