The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said various activities for senior citizens — from a "walk for life" to a fashion show — have been lined up as the country marks Elderly Filipino Week from October 1 to 7. In its news release, the DSWD said 1,500 senior citizens are expected to join on October 1 at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City a walk for life which will kick off the celebration of Elderly Filipino Week. "This significant role of older persons is echoed in this year’s theme 'Nakatatanda: Gabay, Tulay, Kaagapay at Bantay Tungo sa Kaunlaran.' It aims to bring to the public’s attention the plight and needs of older persons," the DSWD said. Elderly Filipino Week is an annual event declared through Proclamation No. 470 issued by former President Fidel Ramos. It highlights the important role of older persons in nation building. The other activities lined up for Elderly Filipino Week include:
“Kimona ni Lola" fashion show on October 1 “Dalaw Kalinga," visit to centers and institutions for older persons Visits to the Visitorless, Indigent, Sick, Older Prisoners (VISO) at the National Bilibid Prison (NBP) and Correctional Institute for Women (CIW) 10 Ulirang Nakatatanda Awards on October 2 reading of the Message and Prayer during Flag Raising ceremonies on October 3 in all government agencies, LGUs, State Colleges and Universities Super Senior Citizens Song Fest on October 4 Round Table Discussion on the Study on Aging cum Forum on RA 9994 or Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010. The participating agencies include the Departments of Health, Finance, Trade and Industry, Transportation and Communications, Interior and Local Government, as well as the Federation of Senior Citizens Associations of the Philippines (FSCAP)-NCR, Regional Federation of Senior Citizens Association-NCR, Coalition of Services for the Elderly (COSE), Coalition of Senior Citizens Associations of the Philippines (COSCAP), Philippine United Senior Citizens Association (PUSCA), SM Supermalls and OSCAs of the 17 cities and municipalities in Metro Manila. - VVP, GMA News