GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- High school learners commemorated and paid homage to elders or senior citizens here on Tuesday as they joined the celebration of the 2023 Elderly Filipino Week.

Top learners from various junior and senior high schools in the city gave meaningful tributes as they competed in extemporaneous speech, spoken poetry, and essay writing events centered on the theme, “Honoring the Invaluable Legacy of Filipino Senior Citizens.”  

Dubbed “Intergen Connect,” the event held at the SM City Mall atrium Tuesday afternoon served as the opening salvo of the series of activities spearheaded by the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) Cluster 7 (Regions X and XII) led by its Commissioner Edwin G. Espejo.

“We’re aiming to inspire younger generations to deeply respect their elders as well as nurture their connection to the Filipino value system,” Espejo said in his speech.

The event, the first-ever held in line with the Elderly Filipino Week celebration, was in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) City Division and SM City Mall General Santos.

It was supported by Sarangani Energy Corporation, #Dolefil Cares, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation Region XII, and the Philippine Information Agency XII.

At least 10 junior and senior high schools from 10 of the city’s 15 school districts participated in the competition.

Hanneleth A. Gella of Dadiangas North High School topped the extemporaneous speech event, followed by Meleina Geolle L. Pulido at second place, and Avryle E. Herrera at third place.

In the spoken poetry, Jelliene Mye P. Gella of New Society National High School won the top prize, while Christine A. Juradas of General Santos City SPED Integrated School and Kyeanly O. Jalbuna of Johnny Ang National High School placed second and third, respectively.

Rubianne Kaye N. Estores of New Society National High School emerged as the top writer in the essay event, followed by Alleah Ven Gutierrez of Ireneo L. Santiago National High School at second place, and Avrylle E. Herrera at third place.

The winners received medals and cash prizes of P5,000 for first place, P3,000 for second, and P1,000 for third. The other contestants received consolation prizes of P500 each.

Victorino Fuentes Jr., School Governance Operation Division chief of DepEd City Division, lauded the NCSC Cluster 7 for initiating the activity and partnering with DepEd.

He acknowledged that it is important to recognize and honor the contributions to the society of the elderly sector as well as the need to connect them with the younger generation.

Commissioner Espejo said NCSC will push for the replication of the activity in other areas in the country in collaboration with DepEd, with a bigger event targeted in next year’s Elderly Filipino Week celebration. (Allen Estabillo - NCSC Cluster 7/PIA SarGen)