NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Honoring Our Elders: 2nd Gawad Parangal Shines Spotlight On Filipino Seniors' Legacy And Service
Photo credit: PIMAI
QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The 2nd Gawad Parangal para sa Nakatatandang Pilipino gathered the nation’s attention this week as it paid heartfelt tribute to Filipino senior citizens — honoring their lifetime of service, wisdom, and continuing impact on the country.
Held on October 15, 2025, at the Quezon City MICE Convention Center (QC MICE), the event was organized by the Coalition of Services of the Elderly (COSE) and partner institutions. It celebrated not just aging, but what it represents — purpose, resilience, and an enduring commitment to community and nation-building.
Although DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian was unable to attend, Assistant Secretary Edmon B. Monteverde delivered his keynote message, reaffirming the government’s “steadfast commitment to the welfare and dignity of senior citizens.”
The celebration gathered 25 national awardees and 8 special honorees from across the country — individuals whose stories reflect the strength and generosity of Filipino elders. Senator Bongbong also joined the ceremony, underscoring the government’s support for initiatives that uplift the elderly.
A moving highlight of the event was the “Tanging Pagkilala kay Cong. Jun Datol” — a posthumous tribute to the late Representative Francisco “Jun” Datol Jr. Known as a staunch defender of senior citizens’ rights, Datol authored key legislation including the Expanded Senior Citizens Act. His legacy continues through the Senior Citizens Party-List (SCPL), which remains active in pushing pro-elderly measures in the 20th Congress.
In its recent report, the SCPL reaffirmed its dedication to the KKK framework — Kalusugan, Kasiyahan, at Kabuhayan — through programs such as the Universal Social Pension, Geriatric Health Services, Senior Employment Opportunities, and the Graduated Senior Citizens Act, which expands benefits according to age.
This year’s theme, “Pagtutulungan, Pagpapahalaga, at Pagmamahal sa Nakatatanda,” perfectly captured the event’s message — that honoring elders goes beyond recognition; it is about building a culture that values and protects them.
“Our senior citizens are not relics of the past — they are living testaments of resilience, love, and service. The Gawad Parangal reminds us that every policy we craft and every program we build must ensure that no senior citizen is left behind,” the SCPL said in a statement.
As the night drew to a close, the atmosphere was filled with applause and emotion — a powerful reminder that behind every award was a life of service that continues to inspire the nation.
The 2nd Gawad Parangal stood not just as a ceremony of recognition, but as a renewed call to action — to honor our elders not only with words, but with lasting compassion, inclusion, and meaningful support.
Held on October 15, 2025, at the Quezon City MICE Convention Center (QC MICE), the event was organized by the Coalition of Services of the Elderly (COSE) and partner institutions. It celebrated not just aging, but what it represents — purpose, resilience, and an enduring commitment to community and nation-building.
Although DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian was unable to attend, Assistant Secretary Edmon B. Monteverde delivered his keynote message, reaffirming the government’s “steadfast commitment to the welfare and dignity of senior citizens.”
The celebration gathered 25 national awardees and 8 special honorees from across the country — individuals whose stories reflect the strength and generosity of Filipino elders. Senator Bongbong also joined the ceremony, underscoring the government’s support for initiatives that uplift the elderly.
A moving highlight of the event was the “Tanging Pagkilala kay Cong. Jun Datol” — a posthumous tribute to the late Representative Francisco “Jun” Datol Jr. Known as a staunch defender of senior citizens’ rights, Datol authored key legislation including the Expanded Senior Citizens Act. His legacy continues through the Senior Citizens Party-List (SCPL), which remains active in pushing pro-elderly measures in the 20th Congress.
In its recent report, the SCPL reaffirmed its dedication to the KKK framework — Kalusugan, Kasiyahan, at Kabuhayan — through programs such as the Universal Social Pension, Geriatric Health Services, Senior Employment Opportunities, and the Graduated Senior Citizens Act, which expands benefits according to age.
This year’s theme, “Pagtutulungan, Pagpapahalaga, at Pagmamahal sa Nakatatanda,” perfectly captured the event’s message — that honoring elders goes beyond recognition; it is about building a culture that values and protects them.
“Our senior citizens are not relics of the past — they are living testaments of resilience, love, and service. The Gawad Parangal reminds us that every policy we craft and every program we build must ensure that no senior citizen is left behind,” the SCPL said in a statement.
As the night drew to a close, the atmosphere was filled with applause and emotion — a powerful reminder that behind every award was a life of service that continues to inspire the nation.
The 2nd Gawad Parangal stood not just as a ceremony of recognition, but as a renewed call to action — to honor our elders not only with words, but with lasting compassion, inclusion, and meaningful support.
Oct 16, 2025
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