ILOILO – Which local government units (LGUs) in this province have the best practices, programs and projects for senior citizens?
Today, the provincial government will name the top three municipalities in the 2023 Search for the Most Senior Citizen-Friendly Municipality/City in an awarding ceremony at Days Hotel in Iloilo City.
Winning LGUs will receive P50,000 for first place; P30,000 for second place; and P20,000 for third place, according to the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).
The finalists are the towns of Dingle, Concepcion, Lambunao, Pototan, Janiuay, Zarraga, and Leganes.
“Excited kami tungod kay ginbuhi naton ang ini nga provincial ordinance liwat just like sang Search for PWD (Persons with Disability)-Friendly City and Municipality,” said Ann Rapunzel “Rara” Ganzon, technical assistant division chief, social welfare officer and spokesperson of the PSWDO.
She emphasized the importance of prioritizing the welfare of senior citizens because, just like 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.
To recall, the last awarding was in 2017 and went on a hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic./PN
