At least 1,200 senior citizens in Lapu-Lapu City joined activities promoting healthy aging, mental health and Alzheimer’s awareness as the city marked Elderly Filipino Week 2026 and Alzheimer’s Awareness Day.
The celebration was held on Oct. 1 at the Hoops Dome in Barangay Gun-ob in partnership with the National Commission of Senior Citizens Region VII.
With the theme “Mga Katigulangang Pilipino: May Bili ug Katungod, May Tingog ug Padayong Nagtampo sa Nasod,” the event highlighted the contributions of senior citizens while promoting their health, rights, dignity and well-being.
The gathering opened with an Elderly Line Dance Exercise, followed by a mental health discussion conducted by the National Mental Health Development Office.
National Commission of Senior Citizens Region VII Regional Director Jocelyn Tabotabo said senior citizens continue to have an important role in their families and communities.
“Senior citizens still have value and make important contributions to the country,” Tabotabo said.
She said the activity also aimed to help senior citizens and their families recognize signs of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and learn about available prevention and support measures.
Tabotabo emphasized the importance of early detection and timely medical consultation, particularly when families begin noticing changes in the memory and behavior of elderly relatives.
She also underscored the impact dementia can have on families by asking participants, “Unsa kaha ang atong buhaton kung dili na ta kaila sa atong mga pinalangga sa kinabuhi?” (What will we do if we no longer recognize our loved ones in life?)
Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan assured senior citizens that the city government would continue working to make services accessible and respond to their needs.
“You have spent many years caring for your families and contributing to our communities, and we will continue to make services accessible to you and respond to your needs,” King-Chan said.
The city also highlighted its support for senior citizens through Republic Act No. 11982, or the Expanded Centenarians Act, which provides a P10,000 cash gift to Filipinos upon reaching the ages of 80, 85, 90 and 95.
Government agencies and partner organizations also brought services closer to the participating senior citizens during the celebration.
The City Health Office offered free memory screening, medical and dental services, health information, PhilHealth YAKAP registration, consultations, prescription services and medicine dispensing.
The Philippine Statistics Authority provided mobile services, while discussions on dementia and senior mental health formed part of the program.
The activity was organized through the City Social Welfare and Development Office, Office of Senior Citizens Affairs, PhilHealth, Commission on Filipinos Overseas, national government agencies, Cebu Provincial Government, nongovernment organizations, health professionals and private partners.
The Lapu-Lapu City Government said the celebration reaffirmed its efforts to provide programs and services that promote the health, rights and participation of senior citizens in the community.
Photo courtesy of DZRH
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