The event was pure joy for the elderly, the children and, of course, for PIA team members who volunteered to share their blessings and time with the community.
Gift-giving and Puppet presentation were readily appreciated and put a smile on the faces of both the young and the old residents. It was a remarkable sight to see them truly engaged and thankful for the gesture.
According to one of the elderly resident growing old can be very hard especially when one’s health begins to deteriorate. She said aging people tend to feel lost, lonely and depressed
We were informed that these people are, in most cases, abandoned by their family. The home for the elders becomes shelter to them, their second family.
Some of them enjoyed sharing their experiences, their pasts, and we were interestingly all ears.
It was a privilege to be able to talk with and learn from them. A pleasure as well to make them smile and provide them something for Christmas.
Luwalhati ng Maynila was established on July 25, 1967 by the late Manila Mayor Valeriano Fugoso in addressing the increasing number of abandoned and homeless elderly in the city. (pia-ncr)
