28 OCTOBER 2019—The National Nutrition Council- Regional Office I (NNC1) joined the Elderly Filipino Week Celebration 2019 with the theme, “Healthy and Productive Aging Starts with Me” held at Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC), Dagupan City, Pangasinan organized by the Department of Health- Center for Health Development 1 (DOH-CHD1).
The celebration was participated by around one hundred fifty (150) senior citizens from nearby municipalities of Pangasinan.
The Elderly Week is being celebrated annually which started 25 years ago through Presidential Proclamation No. 470 s 1994 declaring the first week of October as the “Linggo ng Katandaang Filipino” or “Elderly Filipino Week”. It is dedicated to our Filipino elderly ages 60 years old and above which aims to accord recognition to older person’s contribution in nation-building.
Ms. Bea Mica Lasbacan, Nutritionist-Dietitian II of NNC-ROI served as a resource speaker on Nutrition in the Elderly highlighting “Nutri-tips Para sa Malusog na Buhay”, 10 Kumainments- Sigla at Lakas ng Buhay and Pinggang Pinoy for Elderly.
NNC and DOH’s nutritionist-dietitians, Ms. Nice Galamgam, Ms. Camella Macayan and Ms. Jovy Mae Peñera also provided free nutritional assessment, nutrition counseling services and distribution of IEC materials for their guide to good nutrition among the participants.
The Department of Health rendered free services on dental healthcare and distribution of dental kits and medicines.
The Region 1 Medical Center discussed the services they offer for the elderly and rendered free medical check-up.
PhilHealth also gave details on the provisions of elderly in their agency, free consultation and updating of their PhilHealth membership while other agencies also offered free facial, body massage, and selling of organic products and, the LGU of Pangasinan distributed hygiene kits for the attendees.
As the Elderly Filipino Week Celebration ends, let us reminisce the contributions of our elderly and take this opportunity to express our gratitude and to give due recognition for their accomplishments and contributions for the development of our country. /JMPP
