Fifteen senior citizens in the province of Antique were recognized for helping preserve the province’s rich history, culture, and arts and for their active contribution to their organization and community, during the 2024 Provincial Senior Citizen’s Congress at the Binirayan Gymnasium here Thursday.
Antique Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao, in her message, noted that the about 10,000 senior citizens in Antique play a significant role in preserving the culture and remaining active in their community.
‘The seniors, by narrating the history, culture, and art of the province to the younger generations of Antiqueños, help us always remember it,’ Cadiao said.
She said Antique is significant in the country’s history because it was where the first Malay ancestors settled and formed the first barangay.
‘It is because of the significance of our province that the Antique Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs (APTCAO) has installed 10 bronze life-size statues of our Malay ancestors to perpetuate the history,’ she said.
The awardees were Ma. Nona Sandig from the town of Anini-y; Vincent Piccio III of Belison; Danilo Acuña of Bugasong; Rosarita Peñaflorida of Caluya; Pilar Alocilja of Culasi; Merle De La Cruz of Hamtic; Antonieta Lumugda of Laua-an; Marietta Noble of Libertad; Patnongon Mayor Johnnyflores Bacongallo; Rosalie Cornelio of San Jose de Buenavista; Eldie Pelingon of San Remigio; Tessie Esparar of Sibalom; Jimmy Barrientos of Tibiao; Eulalia Pelingon of Tobias Fornier; and Nelieta Patchicoy of Valderrama.
Patchicoy, in an interview right after receiving her award, said she was happy for the honor and thankful to her fellow seniors in Valderrama for the nomination.
‘There were so many struggles in life that I had encountered, but I feel blessed to have received the award,’ she said.
The towns of Barbaza, Pandan, and Sebaste failed to send their nominations for the award.
Meanwhile, Cadiao said that in recognition of the importance of the sector, the provincial government annually provides financial assistance ca
lled ‘Kabalaka’ (Care) for those 85 years old and above so they would have money to buy their medicines and other needs.
Social Worker Carla Jee Ann Cabigunda, in charge of the senior citizen’s affairs of the provincial social welfare and development office, said in an interview that those aged 85 years to 89 years annually receive PHP2,000; those 90 years to 94 years, PHP3,000; those 95 years to 99 years, PHP5,000; and centenarians, PHP30,000.
Source: Philippines News Agency
