| As part of the celebration of the Month of the Elderly, the NEDA Regional Office (NRO) IV-A visited Sinag Kalinga Foundation, an elderly facility located in Barangay Ayute, Lucban, Quezon, on October 9. In a short program, the NEDA staff entertained the lolos and lolas with a drama skit, songs and dance presentations. The staff also shared special gifts to the elderly residents of the facility. The activity, called Harana para kina Lolo at Lola, was participated by representatives from the DILG and DOT who also handed gifts to the lolos and lolas, while DOH donated medicines and supplies for the elders.Ms. Hyacinth Oblea, Private Sector Representative of the Calabarzon Regional Development Council and founder of Sinag Kalinga Foundation, said they were grateful to be visited by the personnel of government offices who shared their blessings to the elders. “We are happy to have people like you who continuously help us,” she said.
Sinag Kalinga Foundation started in 1995 through the efforts of Ms. Oblea, to address the needs of the neglected elderly. The services of the foundation are for free. Most of the operational needs of the facility are provided by people and organizations in the surrounding communities. Caregivers, dieticians and even doctors serving the facility are all volunteers. Originally, Sinag Kalinga Foundation only served the homeless, abandoned, and destitute elders. However, the foundation recognized the need for the institution to serve the elderly in the greater community. Now, the facility accepts “sit-in” residents and provides services to families who cannot take care of their own elders due to work. The home also lends walkers, wheelchairs, nebulizer kits, oxygen tanks, and other medical equipment to those who are in need in the community. During the program, the lolos and lolas showcased their golden talents. Lolo Roberto and Lola Inday rendered songs reminiscent of their youth, while Lola Isabel showed that her memory is still sharp by reciting a beautiful Christmas poem. The elders also eagerly joined some games prepared by the visiting agencies. Lola Amy, one of elder-residents in the facility, said they were really grateful to have such visitors who share their blessings to those in need like them. “Kayo po ang nagpupuno sa pagmamahal na hindi na naibibigay ng aming mga sariling pamilya,” she said. |
Mr. Donald J.D. Gawe representing Dir. Luis Banua of the NRO IV-A said that the agency was honored to be part of such activity of sharing joy and blessings with the elderly, even for a short while. “We hope we can be with you again next year,” he ended.
