The Department of Social Welfare and Development and its partner agencies will lead the Elderly Filipino Week Celebration on October 1-7, 2013.

Presidential Proclamation No. 470 mandates the annual celebration of Elderly Filipino Week or Linggo ng Nakatatandang Filipino every first week of October to emphasize the important role that older persons play in nation building, as well as raise and address issues concerning the older persons’ sector.

To mark the week-long event, the National Steering Committee chaired by DSWD will conduct activities starting with the ‘Walk for Life’ on October 1 (Tuesday). Other activities include Forum on RA 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010; Consultative Conference for Older Persons,free MRT/LRT rides for senior citizens, ‘Dalaw Kalinga,’ and ‘Sampung Ulirang Nakatatanda’ Awards.

Senior citizens from the 17 cities and municipalities of Metro Manila will join the ‘Walk for Life” at the SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City on October 2, starting 6am.  Walk for Life is held annually to enhance awareness of the public on the health concerns and well-being of older persons.

This year’s theme:  ”Nakatatanda: Pagtulungang Isulong Benepisyo’t Karapatan Tungo sa Maginhawa at Masayang Pamayanan reflects  the need to continuously advocate, promote, and protect the rights and welfare of older persons.  ###