The City Government of Isabela, under the leadership of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) headed by Nor-Aina Asmara, successfully celebrated the Elderly Filipino Week 2025 with the theme, “Embracing Age: Living a Life with Dignity and Purpose”, October 7, at the Isabela City Civic and Cultural Center.
In her welcome message, CSWDO Head Nor-Aina Asmara warmly greeted the senior citizens who joined the celebration. She emphasized that the activity is a tribute to the pillars of every home — the keepers of wisdom and bearers of cultural values and traditions. She also reaffirmed the City Government’s continued commitment to advocate for and uphold the welfare of the elderly sector.
Councilor Yusop Abubakar, Committee Chair on Senior Citizens Affairs, expressed gratitude for the invaluable contributions of the elderly, saying, “Your dedication and love are the reasons we are where we are today.” He assured that the welfare of senior citizens will always remain a top priority, describing parents and elders as “the best blessings we have.”
Vice Mayor Ar-Jhemar Ajibon also graced the event, expressing his fondness and deep respect for the elderly. “Malapit ang puso ko sa mga senior citizen. Your guidance and love are what keep us going,” he said. He also shared that an ordinance enacted in 2021 grants additional cash benefits to bona fide octogenarians, nonagenarians, and centenarians in Isabela City.
The celebration featured exciting Choral and Dancesports Competitions, showcasing the talents and vitality of senior citizens from different clusters.
Choral Competition Winners:
1st Place – Cluster 2 (P10,000)2nd Place – Cluster 1 (P7,000)3rd Place – Cluster 3 (P5,000)Consolation of P4,000 each were awarded to Clusters 4 and 5Dancesports Competition Winners:
1st Place – Cluster 2 (P10,000)2nd Place – Cluster 3 (P7,000)3rd Place – Cluster 1 (P5,000)Consolation of P4,000 each were awarded to Clusters 4 and 5In his closing message, Remigio Delos Reyes, Head of the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), reminded everyone that the celebration is a testament to the wisdom, sacrifices, and enduring love that senior citizens continue to share with their families, communities, and the nation.
As part of the event, an array of free medical services — including consultations, check-ups, and distribution of free medicines and vitamins — was provided to address the healthcare needs of senior citizens.
Elderly Filipino Week is celebrated annually every first week of October, as mandated by Proclamation No. 470, issued by then-President Fidel V. Ramos on September 26, 1994, recognizing the invaluable contributions of the elderly to nation-building. (Words by KJ Lim/Photos by C. Digon, IsaTV)
