ILOILO – Pototan was adjudged the Most Senior Citizen-Friendly Municipality in the province during the 2023 Search for Most Senior Citizen Friendly Municipality/City awarding ceremony yesterday.
It received a cash prize worth P50,000 and a plaque of recognition from the provincial government.
The first runner-up, Concepcion town, got P30,000 cash and second runner-up Leganes received P20,000.
Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul Banias and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) head Sarah M. Barayuga presented the award to the winners.
Ann Rapunzel “Rara” Ganzon, technical assistant division chief, social welfare officer and spokesperson of the PSWDO, said Pototan bagged the top award because of its initiatives, programs and projects for senior citizens that include:
* construction of a building to serve as venue for senior citizens’ events and activities,
* social pension from the local government unit (LGU) aside from the pension from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD),
* active community participation, and
* providing livelihood to senior citizens.
For next year’s search, Ganzon is hopeful that more LGUs would participate by implementing their own best programs, projects and initiatives for senior citizens.
“It will inspire other municipalities nga ang ila sector [senior citizens] may ara contributions sa society. In general, very inspiring kay regardless sang ila edad nga kon lantawon duro na nga legasiya ang ila nabilin sa aton but they don’t stop helping and contributing sa ikaayo kag ika-improve sang society naton,” she added.
For this year’s search, there were seven finalists: Dingle, Concepcion, Lambunao, Pototan, Janiuay, Zarraga, and Leganes.
Ganzon earlier emphasized the importance of prioritizing the welfare of senior citizens because, just like persons with disabilities (PWDs), they are considered a marginalized sector and their needs must be taken care of.
“This is going to inspire others to do good and not forget their senior citizens,” Ganzon said.
Before the seven finalists were selected, they underwent a careful validation process. Evaluators assessed their best practices in health and social services, protection for senior citizens, institutionalization of the building for senior citizens, and annual budget allocation for senior citizens.
Ganzon noted that zero crimes committed by or victimizing senior citizens are important factors because this is proof that the welfare of the elderly is being taken care of.
Among the evaluators were representatives from the Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Provincial Health Office, Public Information and Communications Affairs Office, and PSWDO./PN