De Lima honors senior citizens for 'Elderly Filipino Week'

In line with the annual celebration of Elderly Filipino Week, Senator Leila M. de Lima has recognized the contributions of the elderly in molding the youth as she encouraged them to continue influencing the younger generation in promoting a just society.

De Lima, a former justice secretary, said the elderly plays a big role in shaping the future of our nation because the youth look up to them and follow their lead.

"Sa lahat ng ating uliran at huwarang senior citizen: Maraming salamat po sa paggabay sa ating kabataan sa tamang landas, at sa pagpapamalas ng mabubuting katangian nating mga Pilipino. Gaya nga po ng kasabihan: Ginagaya ng bata ang nakikita nila sa nakatatanda," she said in a statement.

"Bilang mga indibidwal na higit na maalam at mas nakadanas na ng maraming pagsubok sa buhay, patuloy po sana nating gabayan ang ating mga kabataan at ang mga susunod pang henerasyon sa pagsusulong ng isang makatarungan at makataong bansa," she added.

Every first week of October, Elderly Filipino Week is observed by virtue of Proclamation No. 470 signed on Sept. 26, 1994, by former President Fidel Ramos.

Based on news reports, more than 2,000 senior citizens from several areas in Metro Manila attended the kickoff activity for the opening ceremonies of the annual Elderly Filipino Week on Sunday in Pasay City.

Aimed to honor the senior citizens, the celebration was led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, PhilHealth and senior citizens' organizations.

De Lima further lauded the senior citizens who continue to work hard and prove that old age is not a hindrance in contributing to the betterment of the society.

"Kaakibat po ng ating pagdiriwang ang pagpupugay natin sa lahat ng nakatatandang kapamilya, kamag-anak, kaibigan at mga kakilala. Patunay po ang marami sa ating mga senior citizen na hindi hadlang ang edad sa pagtataguyod ng propesyon at sa pag-ambag sa pag-unlad ng pamilya at lipunan."