BONTOC, Mountain Province – Senior Citizens in this capital town took over the seats of the municipal elected officials and department heads of the municipal government as Senior Citizen Official for a Day (SCOFAD) on October 7, 2024, as part of the celebration of the Elderly Filipino Week every October 1-7 of every year.
Retired Police Captain Richard Soliven took the seat of Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., for a day. As the Municipal Mayor for a Day, Soliven issued Memorandum Order No. 104, S. 2024, addressed to all SCOFAD department heads and municipal employees. In his order, he emphasized the need to uphold the values of sincerity and friendliness towards clients through a “SMILE POLICY”. This directive aims to bring a sense of calmness and warmth to interactions with the clients, embodying the genuine spirit of public service.
SCOFAD Mayor Soliven remarked that the SMILE POLICY reflects a commitment to fostering a culture of kindness, empathy, and sincerity in all interactions, ultimately creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone. Meanwhile, Mayor Tudlong supported the directive of Soliven highlighting that it is a reminder of the positive impact that small gestures of warmth and friendliness can have in making a difference in the lives of others.
Benedict Feken from Barangay Maligcong took the seat of Vice Mayor Eusebio Kabluyen for a day and assumed the functions and roles of the said official. Thus, he presided over the session of the SCOFAD Sangguniang Bayan.
The other SCOFAD SB members include Alexander Fakat, Jr., from Barangay Maligcong; Luciano Payocyoc from Mainit; Leticia Kalang-ad from Samoki; Clara Lukkat from Bayyo; Anacleto Tangilag from Bontoc Ili; Francisko Tomingeb from Tocucan; Linda Challoy from Talubin; Victor Accab; Samson Toyoken; Pedro Bugarin of Alab Oriente; and Jane Awichen from Samoki.
Other senior citizens who took over the seats of the department heads for a day assumed the functions and roles of the office head whom they replaced were Municipal Administrator Anita Tanay from Barangay Caluttit; Secretary to the Sangguniang Bayan Julie Guilanda from Gonogon; Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Magdalena Channas from Guina-ang; Municipal Budget Officer Rosario Fecha from Bontoc Ili; Municipal Accountant Resurrection Lingbanan from Caluttit; Municipal Assessor Manuel Baclili from Bontoc Ili; Municipal Health Officer Dr. Leuntine Habawel from Alab Oriente; Municipal Planning and Development Officer Dolores Langagan from Barangay Alab Proper; Municipal Agriculturist Wilbur Forayang from Maligcong, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Mary Pumeg-as from Dalican; Municipal Treasurer Naty Cabfeng from Guina- ang; Municipal Engineer Pablo Sawad from Gonogon; and Municipal Civil Registrar Teresita Ayan from Alab Proper.
Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., welcomed all the senior citizens and acknowledged the importance of the roles of senior citizens in the community as they have a wealth of skills and experience.
He mentioned that elders play an invaluable role in families and communities, contributing wisdom, experience, and love that shape the younger generations. Thus, he emphasized that it is essential to show appreciation for the senior citizens as they have played a significant part in upbringing and guiding the younger generation through life.
“Our dear senior citizens, you serve as a reminder that life is beautiful, and your presence enriches our lives in ways we may not always fully recognize. As the younger generation, we should hold our elders in the highest regard, offering our respect, gratitude, and love for all they have done for us. It is my fervent prayer that we reach your age with the same grace, wisdom, and impact on those around us,” the mayor remarked.
As part of the celebration of the Elderly Filipino Week, the Municipal Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines, in coordination with the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs and the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office hosted the regular Monday Flag Raising Ceremony on October 7, 2024.
Republic Act 10868, which was crafted to honor senior citizens, declares the first week of October as the Elderly Filipino Week. By Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay
