BONTOC, Mountain Province – Senior citizens from the different municipalities of Mountain Province sang their hearts out during the chorale competition on Oct. 3 at the Provincial Multipurpose Hall here in celebration of the Filipino Elderly Week with the theme, “Honoring the Legacy of the Filipino Senior Citizen”.
The contest piece is entitled “Growing Old Gracefully”, composed by Rev. Fr. Marcial Lloyd C. Castañeda, a multi-talented priest of the Apostolic Vacariate of Bontoc-Lagawe, and an awardee of the Asia’s Humanitarian Hero Awards 2023.
The song, which was launched during the Oct. 2 provincial flag raising ceremony, will be adopted as the provincial senior citizens’ song.
The elderly of Bontoc bagged first place with P10,000 cash prize. Placing second is the municipality of Sagada and Tadian in third place with prizes of P7,000 and 5,000, respectively.
Participating municipalities also received a consolation prize of P3,000 each.
Provincial Administrator Franklin C. Odsey hoped the activity will be an inspiration to the senior citizens to continue contributing to the community and in nation building.
“As we gather today, may this choral competition ignite our enthusiasm to continue contributing to the improvement and development of our communities. May this spark in every one of us burn to continue flaming our passion to perform our roles in our family,” he said.
Castañeda, as guest speaker, highlighted four values that can be embraced from the senior citizens.
“The timeless values such as generosity, humor, prayer life, and service are exemplified by the senior citizens which are worthy of emulation” he said.
He emphasized the good things about the senior citizens and their contribution to the society.
“Values are disposition of godliness and goodness. The very reason why we honor you is because of the values that you generate in this generation. The reason why we are still alive is because our life is quality life. It is needed in this generation. With this kind of millennial mentality, combine them with your values/virtues,” he said.
On Oct. 2, some elderly from the different towns got the chance to substitute the provincial officials as they served as senior citizens officials for-a-day.
The activities were spearheaded by the provincial government through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.
The Elderly Filipino Week is commemorated every Oct. 1 to 7 as provided under Proclamation 470 issued by then President Fidel Ramos on Sept. 26, 1994. – Clinteast Totanes
