Bontoc’s best senior citizens groups cited

By Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Three best performing barangay senior citizen associations in this capital town were recognized by the local government in celebration of Elderly Filipino Week every October 1-7 of every year. 
    Barangay Caluttit emerged champion in the Search for Best Performing Barangay Senior Citizen Association with a prize of P10, 000.
    Bontoc Ili Senior Citizen Association came in 2nd place with an incentive of P7, 000 while Tocucan Senior Citizen Association landed 3rd place and received P5,000. 
    The cash prizes were handed over by Bontoc Mayor Jerome "Chagsen" Tudlong, Jr., Sangguniang Bayan member Viola Okko, Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) Head Belinda Galo, and Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Araceli Shane Bayanos to the winners during the Senior Citizens’ Day celebration on Oct. 2 at Municipal Capitol grounds.

    Social Welfare Officer I Sandra Comafay of Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office said the Senior Citizens Code of Bontoc stipulates the senior citizens incentive and awards program.

    This, to recognize best-performing barangay senior citizen associations by granting them incentives and awards. 

    The program aims to encourage the elderly to plan and carry out activities for self-enhancement and community development; assist the elderly in availing of the benefits they are entitled to from government and non-government agencies and other entities, recognize efforts and participation of the senior citizen sector of the municipality. 

    She said for this year, 13 barangay senior citizen associations submitted their entries.

    The criteria in selection of winners included stability of the unit or functionality, projects or activities undertaken and environmental concerns.

    Barangay senior citizen Associations that participated in the search were Alab Proper, Alab Oriente, Balili, Bayyo, Bontoc Ili, Caluttit, Guina-ang, Poblacion, Gonogon, Talubin, Tocucan, Dalican, and Can-eo. 

    The Senior Citizens Code provided that that any barangay unit which wins first place three consecutive times shall be disqualified to compete again in the same category for the next succeeding year.

    However, the said barangay unit shall be elevated to the “hall of fame” achievement with a corresponding Certificate of Recognition. 

    Mayor Tudlong cited the active participation of the barangay senior citizen associations in the search and hopes for full participation next year.