Ten outstanding elderly men and women will be feted on October 2 as part of the celebration of Elderly Filipino Week. The "Sampung Ulirang Nakatatanda 2011" were chosen from urban poor, farmers, indigenous communities, religious organizations, and other groups, the Coalition of Services of the Elderly, Inc. said. The coalition said the awardee must:
be 60 years old and above; not be multi-awarded and not well-known; have offered his or her life for the service of other people without expecting anything in return; be nominated by an organization, community or groups whom he or she has served, and not be nominated by family members or relatives. Outstanding Elderly of 2011 This year's awardees include: GLORIA L. TABON, 61 Benguet Gloria is a service-oriented person who is successfully promoting her Kankana-ey culture while generating income through projects such as tapis-making and bead-making. FLORENCIA ANTONIO-MIRANDA, 75 Valenzuela City Florencia dedicated her life to conducting seminars on health care, income generation, exercise and herbal medicine. She also conducted leadership training for senior citizens because “she believes an organization needs to be led by a trained and valuable leader. " IMELDA M. SATURAY, 74 Batangas Imelda is a retired school teacher who never stopped teaching even after retirement. Through the COOP, she bought four jeepneys and 10 tricycles. She introduced the “boundary- hulog" system so that drivers would eventually own the vehicles. She also reactivated the senior citizens group and invited NGO’s to train older people in health care using herbal plants. JULIETA ABONADO, 74 Cotabato Julieta is a retired midwife who became treasurer of the FSCAP. Due to her honesty in guarding the money of the group, mortuary benefits for members increased from P2,000 to P10,000. She eventually became a Barangay Kagawad and was instrumental in improving roads, health care, and sanitation. GLORIÑA GREMIO, 76 Quezon City Gloriña joined a community-based program for older people in an urban poor community. She volunteered to became a community health worker, monitoring the health of other members. When the group opened their own drug store (botika binhi) she volunteered to became manager. She has also volunteered to clean the church every Saturday afternoon to prepare for Sunday services. PILAR JIMENEZ BONETE, 65 Lanao del Norte Pilar is a retired school teacher and former Barangay Councilor. She became a community organizer for women developing livelihood assistance. She also helped reactivate a senior citizens group, encouraging Muslim and Christians alike to avail of benefits for older people. JUAN P. REGLOS, 99 Batangas "Mamay" Juan is not connected to any group but is simply a good man, a farmer who raised his family (having 11 children). He once served as a barangay captain. He was nominated because of his exemplary life. ALEJANDRA MORALES, 69 Batangas Chit is an exceptional employee of the Philippine General Hospital, having served for 39 years and then later returning as a volunteer. She was nominated because of her ability to deal with patients, especially indigents. ROMAN ANDAYA, 80 Camarines Norte In most traditional tribal societies, older persons are esteemed for their wisdom. Ramon is an Aeta leader who was chosen for his wisdom in struggling for ancestral domain for the Aetas. He successfully helped obtain 22 hectares of land for his group even though he had little formal education. He has consistently opposed mining operations. EDENITA B. LACHAMA, 62 Legaspi City Manay Eden has been a volunteer health worker for 19 years, helping tuberculosis patients. She regularly monitors the health of the elderly, especially in the poorest areas. Elderly Filipino Week 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. Elderly Filipino Week is an annual event declared through Proclamation No. 470 issued by former President Fidel Ramos. Aside from the "Sampung Ulirang Nakatatanda 2011" awards on October, the other activities 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) 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. - VVP, GMA News 
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