Taguig brought health, nutrition, and government services together in one venue as around 600 senior citizens gathered for the Elderly Congress on October 5 at Taguig Lakeshore Hall in Barangay Lower Bicutan. Organized by the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) and the City Health Office (CHO) as part of the city’s Elderly Filipino Week celebration, the congress gave senior citizens an opportunity to access essential services, learn about healthy aging, and connect with fellow residents.
Bringing Essential Services Together
The Elderly Congress offered a range of health services in one location, making it more convenient for participating senior citizens to access different forms of assistance.
Services included electrocardiograms (ECG), health risk assessments, vital signs checks, flu vaccination, dental services, and chest X-rays. Screening services for prostate, cervical, breast, and tuberculosis concerns were also available. Participants could likewise access nutrition services and assistance from government agencies, including the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and PhilHealth. Lectures led by COMELEC, the City Nutrition Office, and CHO also covered topics such as voter education, nutrition, and healthy aging. Each participant received an insulated water bottle as a token from the event.
A Day of Learning and Community
Beyond the health services, the congress provided senior citizens with an opportunity to spend time with fellow residents from different communities across Taguig. Patricia Dela Rosa, 75, of Barangay Napindan, shared that the activities helped her learn more about nutrition, Pinggang Pinoy, and exercise while also giving her a chance to meet new friends. Susana Ventura, 72, of Barangay Katuparan, also expressed her appreciation for the program and the benefits available to senior citizens in the city. The gathering highlighted the important role senior citizens continue to play in their families and communities. Their experiences and knowledge can also serve as valuable guidance for younger generations.
Supporting Healthy and Active Senior Citizens
The Elderly Congress reflects Taguig’s effort to make senior-focused programs more accessible by bringing multiple services and learning opportunities together in one venue.
The city’s OSCA identifies its mission as responding to the special needs of senior citizens while helping them remain healthy and active members of their communities. Through activities that combine health services, education, and social interaction, events like the Elderly Congress create opportunities for older residents to stay informed, connected, and engaged.
