BONTOC, Mountain Province(PIA)--Senior citizens from the  different  municipalities of Mountain Province sang their hearts out during the chorale competition on October 3 at the Provincial Multipurpose Hall, here  in  celebration of  the Filipino Elderly Week  with the  theme,  “Honoring the Legacy of the Filipino Senior Citizen”.

The contest piece is  entitled  “Growing Old Gracefully”, composed  by  Rev. Fr. Marcial Lloyd C. Castañeda, a multi-talented priest  of the Apostolic Vacariate of Bontoc-Lagawe, and an awardee of the Asia’s  Humanitarian Hero Awards 2023.  Said song which  was   launched during the October 2 Provincial Flag Raising Ceremony will be adopted as the Provincial Senior Citizens’ Song.

The elderly of the Municipality of Bontoc bagged first place with P10,000.00 cash prize.  Placing second is the municipality of Sagada, and  Tadian in third place   with prize of P7,000.00 and 5,000.00, respectively.

Participating municipalities also received a consolation prize of  P3,000.00 each.

Provincial Administrator Franklin C. Odsey expressed  hope that the activity will be an inspiration to the  senior citizens  to continue  contributing to the community  and in nation building.

“As we gather today, may this choral competition ignite our enthusiasm to continue contributing to the improvement and development of our communities. May this spark in every one of us burn to continue flaming our passion to perform our roles in our family,” he said.

Guest  speraker ,  Fr. Castañeda,  In his message,  highlighted four values that can be embraced from the senior citizens.

“The timeless values such as generosity, humor, prayer life and service are exemplified by the senior citizens which are worthy of emulation” he said. 

He  also emphasized the good things about the senior citizens and their contribution to the society.

“Values are disposition of Godliness and goodness. The very reason why we honor you is because of the values that you generate in this generation. The reason why we are still alive is because our life is quality life. It is needed in this generation. With this kind of millennial mentality, combine them with your values/virtues,” he said.

On October 2, some elderly from the different towns  got the chance  to substitute  the provincial officials  as they  served as Senior Citizens Officials For a Day.

The activities were spearheaded by the provincial government through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.

Elderly Filipino Week is commemorated every October 1 to 7  as provided  under Proclamation No. 470 issued by then President Fidel Ramos on September 26, 1994.(JDP/CVBT-PIA CAR, Mt. Province)