The City Health Office (CHO) on Wednesday provided medical services to senior citizens in a gathering at the Apo View Hotel.
Medical consultations, nutrition counselling, fasting blood sugar testing, and the Philippine Package of Essential Non-Communicable (PhilPEN) screening were among the services offered at the event.
With the theme “Handog kalinga para kina lolo’t lola,” about 120 senior citizens from across the city joined the event and availed themselves of the services offered by CHO.
Mayor Sebastian Duterte, in his message delivered by CHO office-in-charge Dr. Tomas Miguel Ababon, said the event recognizes the critical role and valuable contribution of senior citizens to the development of the community.
He said it was one way of reminding Dabawenyos to keep fighting for the rights of the elderly so they can live happy, fulfilling lives.
“This year’s theme, Handog kalinga para kina lolo’t lola, underscores our moral obligation to provide care and assistance to our elderlies and support advocacies that secure their stability, well-being, and comfort,” the mayor said.
“Rest assured that the city government of Davao remains supportive and committed to ensure the welfare of our senior citizens in years to come” he added.
The celebration of Elderly Filipino Week is anchored on Proclamation No. 470, s. 1994, issued by former President Fidel V. Ramos. The first week of October is designated as Linggo ng Katandaang Filipino or Elderly Filipino Week to honor the contributions of elderly Filipinos to the country’s development.
During the Elderly Filipino Week last month, the city’s senior citizens participated in socio-cultural activities, including chorale and dance contests. This month, they were treated to medical services from the CHO.
Julinda Acosta, Head of the CHO’s Technical Services Division, said in an interview with the City Information Office that the gathering was meant to show the importance of senior citizens in society.
She said the event serves as a means of informing senior citizens about the programs that the city government offers in addition to providing medical services.
“Gi-inform pod namo sila sa mga health services for them nga available sa atong different health centers and baranggay health stations (We also informed them about the health services for them that are available in our different health centers and baranggay health stations),” Acosta said.
She said they also conducted the pneumococcal vaccination.
Elderly Evelyn Ceniza said she was thankful being part of the activity.
“Happy kaayo, labaw na ako’ng mga kaubanan kay first time daw ni nila. Ang uban naka-ingon gyud nga ka-enjoy karon sa Edlerly Week kay daghan daw of activities (I’m so happy, especially my colleagues because it’s their first time. Others said that they really enjoyed this year’s Elderly Week because there are a lot of activities),” she said.
The event was enlivened by the folk dance presentation of the Buhangin District Senior Citizens and the Curacha Dance number of the Talomo A District Senior Citizens. CIO
