KABUGAO, Apayao – Senior citizens from Apayao’s seven municipalities convened on March 11, 2025, at the Capitol Conference Hall for the first quarterly assembly of the Provincial Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines (PFSCAP)–Apayao Chapter.
The meeting was a call to action for stronger support, more responsive programs, and an inclusive approach to elderly welfare.
With PFSCAP President Purita Visitacion presiding, senior citizen leaders and municipal social welfare and development officers (MSWDOs) took the floor to present their first-quarter reports. Discussions covered social pension payouts, the increasing number of new members, and barangay-level efforts to register seniors online so that no one is left out of government assistance programs.
Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr., represented by Executive Assistant Donato Balag, did not mince words when stressing the provincial government’s role in filling gaps left by national programs. “If there are seniors who have not received the assistance they are entitled to, let us get their names and make sure they do. No one in Apayao should be forgotten,” Balag urged and called on the MSWDOs to identify those still waiting for aid.
Social Welfare Officer Leeshel Lopez tackled a growing issue among the elderlies – mental health. Stress, anxiety, and isolation are real struggles, and Lopez took the time to lead a discussion on coping mechanisms, community engagement, and the importance of staying socially and mentally active.
Meanwhile, Provincial SWDO Jocelyn Loyon challenged the federation’s leaders to look beyond their own sector. “Let us not just advocate for seniors. We should also be helping children, disaster survivors, and the vulnerable, too. Strength does not stop with age, it also grows with purpose,” she urged.
As programs are implemented and policies move forward, the yApayao elderlies are actively engaging and calling for more concrete measures that will directly affect and improve their quality of life. By Loremia Pareja
