Empathize, sympathize with the elderly

THE Philippines observes Elderly Filipino Week on October 1-7, 2014. Every year the government must hold this observance because of a Sept. 26, 1994 presidential proclamation whose aim is to increase the people’s awareness of the needs and concerns of “the older persons’ sector.”

As usual it is the Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) department that leads the observance since it chairs the National Steering Committee, which consists of partner agencies and senior citizens’ associations. The celebration’s theme this year is “Ang Nakatatanda ay Yaman, Katuwang sa Pag-unlad ng Bayan, Pangalagaan kanilang Kapakanan.” [The elderly are a treasure, partners in national progress, protect their interests.]