San Jose de Buenavista, Antique – The provincial government of Antique honored 13 senior citizens for their exemplary service and leadership. This recognition took place during this year's Senior Citizens Congress held at the Binirayan Gymnasium in San Jose de Buenavista on Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao, the annual congress is a platform to gather and acknowledge the significant contributions of senior citizens across the municipalities and the province. She emphasized the importance of seniors in the community, stating that they remain vital members despite their advanced age.
Among the awardees was San Jose de Buenavista Mayor Elmer Untaran, who received the Outstanding Senior Citizens Award. Untaran expressed his inspiration to continue supporting senior citizen programs and projects, pledging to remain an active member of their association in Barangay Funda-Dalipe post-retirement. Meselemia Bitancor, president of the Municipal Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines (MFSCAP) in Sibalom, also received an award. Bitancor has contributed significantly to the establishment of their Multi-Purpose Center in Sibalom town, which serves as a central venue for meetings and gatherings.
Other recipients included Norma Vergara, Cecilia Romero, Isagani Belarmino, Adorada Sibugan, Lily Francisco, Felomina Mabaquiao, Laura Piansay, Ernesto Gilvas, Pablo Crespo Sr., Victoria Millares, and Beltranico Miles. These individuals have demonstrated outstanding service and leadership within their communities, making significant impacts in their respective areas.