October 14, 2025 – The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Panabo celebrated the 2025 National Celebration of Elderly Filipino Week through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) with the theme: “Embracing Age: Living a Life with Dignity and Purpose.” The event took place at the Panabo Gymnasium.
The occasion was kicked off with excitement and high energy as senior citizens from various barangays opened the program with a Zumba dance. Elderly Week is celebrated every October based on Proclamation No. 470, as a way to honor the elderly in the country.
In line with the celebration, a variety of entertaining and unifying activities were prepared, showcasing the talents of the elderly through competitions such as: cha-cha, duet singing, folk dance, and games like checkers (dama), darts, and chess. There were also raffle prizes given to the seniors.
Recognizing the great importance of the elderly in the city, Mayor Jose E. Relampagos attended the event and delivered a message encouraging senior citizens to always take care of their health and be grateful to the Lord.
“Even though we face many tragedies like earthquakes and other challenges, we must always pray to the Lord so we can all be safe no matter what happens. Never forget God, because only He can truly save our lives,” said Mayor Relampagos.
As a way of honoring them further, a Medical Mission was also conducted, offering free medical and eye check-ups with reading glasses in collaboration with the City Health Office (CHO), Good Shepherd Hospital of Panabo City, Inc., Delfin Optical Clinic, PhilHealth, the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), and the Panabo Senior Citizens Association (PASECA).
The event was also graced by City Welfare and Development Officer Chariena Joy G. Lacuin, RSW, MSSW, Executive Assistant II Fenady Israel-Cruz as representative of Vice Mayor Franklin D. Gentiles, Private Secretary Elaine Soldia representing City Councilor Josie Mary “Boss JM” Relampagos, staff from CSWDO, and other guests.
|MCG
Photos: Christian Costañemo