Gov. Ebdane pays tribute to Zambales elderly
SAN NARCISO, Zambales – In a first-ever event of its kind in the province, more than 4,000 elderly residents trooped to the convention center of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy here to attend the Christmas party organized by Gov. Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr.
Ebdane, who has included in his administration’s priority programs the welfare of senior citizens, paid tribute to the elderly, pointing out that his “Sulong Zambales” program of government is for every Zambaleño, including the senior citizens.
“I have noticed that there are very few programs that address elderly concerns,” Ebdane said. “While there is a government act granting them certain privileges that may help them financially, we still lack social programs that make them belong to the society.”
This, the governor added, drove him to launch several programs that give importance to senior citizens, including the construction in all the 13 towns here of senior citizen buildings where old people enjoy the company of their peers.
“I believe it gives them vitality and sense of purpose. And that is important for people of our age,” stressed Ebdane, who is also a senior citizen himself.
The whole-day affair held December 22 was the biggest gathering so far of the elderly sector in the province, as each Senior Citizens Association chapter from each municipality were well represented.
In his speech during the program, Ebdane urged the younger generation to give their respect, love and care to their elderly.
“Look up to them because they were the ones who made our society and our community what it is today. Let us not forget their contributions and the work they have done when they were young,” he said.
During the celebration, Ebdane and his staff distributed coffee mugs with the governor’s likeness.
“I hope you would not misinterpret this as a political campaign material. I gave you these coffee mugs because it is my way of wanting to remind you, as you drink your coffee at breakfast, that I will always be here to support you. Also, it is like I am having breakfast with you every morning,” Ebdane told the seniors.
The governor also presented his personal gift of P10,000 each to those who have reached 100 years old, a tradition he initiated for the monthly joint birthday celebrations for senior citizens in the province. Last Monday two citizens, Cecilia Alegado of Castillejos and Primitivo Asencio of Palauig, were recipients of the cash gift. They are both 102 years old.
In return, the Federation of Senior Citizens Association of Zambales, presented the governor with a certificate of appreciation for all his projects, his support and for prioritizing their sector in his administration.
The Christmas party also doubled as the joint birthday celebration for all December-born members of the SCA. Joint birthday celebrations organized every month in each town is also one of the projects of the governor.
The party ended with December celebrators singing “happy birthday to me” with each holding a birthday cupcake, including the governor who is celebrating his birthday on December 30. He will be 65 this year.