Almost 700 senior citizens joined the Walk for Life in Lucena City in line with the recent celebration of the Elderly Filipino Week.
This year's theme, "Pagmamahal at Respeto ng Nakababata, Nagpapaligaya sa Nakatatanda" is a timely reminder to today's generation that the elderly Filipinos have given their time and nurturing to a society that is beginning to forget the sacrifices they have made. But with the Walk for Life, PhilHealth has provided them the respect and appreciation they deserved even for only a day.
This was emphasized by Dr. Edwin M. Oriña, OIC-PRO IVA, in his welcome message during the opening ceremony. He reminded the PhilHealth contingent that the activity is dedicated for the elderly thus, he expects that each employee shows their respect and appreciation through simple gestures and small talk with them.
The simultaneous walk required the participating senior citizens to finish the 1 to 1.5 kilometers walk which highlighted PhilHealth's advocacy for wellness and exercise among the elderly Filipinos. After the walk, a zumba dance followed, with the Jollibee mascot joining the crowd of dancing elderly Filipinos.
Aside from the Advocacy Walk, various activities for the participating elderly Filipinos followed at the Event Center of SM City Lucena. These included RBS and Bone Screening; PhilHealth exhibit on benefits, testimonials from members and photobooth; PhilHealth online member data updating; AVP presentation of PhilHealth Z Benefits and Peritoneal Dialysis; and a discussion on proper body mechanics by Dr. Nizon Cabo Champonco of the Quezon Medical Center's Rehabilitation Section.
The crowd was entertained with various intermission numbers from the senior citizens who showcased their talents, from playing the guitar and harmonica to singing. In between the discussions, PhilHealth giveaways were raffled off for the participants as the PRO IVA Band provided the entertainment for participating senior citizens who swayed to the music.
An On-the-Spot Poster Making contest for the elderly was one of the highlights of the activity. Six senior citizens proved that age doesn't matter in creating a masterpiece as they showed their painting skills in depicting the theme, "Paano Nakatulong ang PhilHealth sa Inyo?”
The judging panel was composed of Oriña, Reden Rodriguez and Maria Teresa Adviento of the Department of Health (DOH). Abner Caguicla, a fine arts graduate from Alabat, Quezon, wowed the judges with his drawing, depicting how PhilHealth has helped him and his family with their hospitalization needs. Adelaida Luna and David Tabios representing Gumaca and Calauag, Quezon got the second and third places, respectively.
Winners were given cash prizes, namely, P10,000, P5,000 and P2,000 for the first, second and third places, respectively, while the rest got consolation prizes.
A total of 900 participants graced the event which also included partner agencies DOH, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Land Transportation Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, Provincial Health Office and the local media.
The Walk for Life will be a constant reminder to be more conscious of the simple need of the elderly to be appreciated. Let us not ignore these elderly Filipinos but instead, let us recognize and celebrate their wisdom and allow them to share their gifts with us and our children. We never know what stories these silver-haired individuals are more than willing to share with us. (END)
