Mallets replaced walking canes as Mandaue’s lolos and lolas took to the playing field for a three-day gateball tournament featuring senior citizens from the city’s 27 barangays.
Organized by the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), the tournament gave elderly residents an opportunity to compete, socialize and stay active as part of the city’s celebration of the 2026 Elderly Filipino Week.
The participating senior citizens arrived with their respective barangay delegations and joined an opening parade before competing in the gateball matches.
OSCA head Norma Vicoy described gateball as an activity that promotes both physical activity and social interaction among senior citizens.
“Gateball is a social activity. Let us work together for our health and well-being, and let us observe the spirit of sportsmanship today,” Vicoy said.
The competition brings together senior citizen players representing different barangays, with the winners scheduled to be recognized during the culminating program on Sunday, Oct. 4, at the Ibabao-Estancia Gym.
Beyond the matches, the tournament also gave participants an opportunity to meet other senior citizens from across Mandaue and take part in an activity outside their usual routines.
Vicoy said OSCA is also considering holding a chess tournament for senior citizens next year, citing the interest of some elderly residents in the board game.
The gateball tournament followed the opening of Elderly Filipino Week on Oct. 1 at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex.
More than 800 senior citizens from the city’s 27 barangays attended the opening program, which began with a Mass followed by a short program.
This year’s celebration carries the theme, “Mga Katigulangang Pilipino: May Bili ug Katungod, May Tingog ug Padayong Mitampo sa Nasod.”
The weeklong celebration also features entertainment and services for senior citizens, including free massages and haircuts, as well as food and giveaways from partner groups.
The gateball matches continued through Saturday, Oct. 3, before the participating barangays and winners are recognized during Sunday’s culminating activity.
For the participating lolos and lolas, the tournament offers more than a chance to win. It also provides an avenue to stay active, build friendships and share the spirit of competition with fellow senior citizens from across Mandaue.
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