‘Our responsibility goes beyond recognizing the elderly. We must uphold their rights and dignity’: VG Odiem calls for sustained care, protection of Kalinga seniors

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Vice Governor Dave Q. Odiem called on government officials and communities to strengthen their commitment to senior citizens, stressing that honoring the elderly must go beyond annual celebrations and be reflected in sustained efforts to protect their rights, dignity, health, and welfare.

Odiem delivered the message through his representative, Romel M. Aboli, during the 2026 Provincial Elderly Week Celebration spearheaded by the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer at the Kalinga Sports Center in Capitol Hills, Bulanao, on October 29.

He recognized the invaluable contributions of senior citizens to their families and communities, saying their sacrifices, resilience, and wisdom have helped shape the younger generations and the province's present achievements.

“You have demonstrated hard work, sacrifice, resilience, and love for your families and communities. The values you have passed on, the wisdom you have shared, and the lessons you have taught continue to guide the younger generations. Indeed, much of what we enjoy today has been made possible by your dedication and sacrifices,” Odiem said.

He reminded government officials and the public that their responsibility toward senior citizens should not end with recognizing them during special occasions.

“As we celebrate this special occasion, let us be reminded that our responsibility to our senior citizens goes beyond recognizing them on a special day. We must continue to uphold their rights, protect their dignity, promote their health and well-being, and ensure that they receive the care, respect, and support they truly deserve,” he said.

Odiem urged government agencies, local officials, and community members to work together in ensuring that elderly residents can enjoy their later years with dignity, security, and a sense of belonging.

24,288 SENIOR CITIZENS IN KALINGA

The call for stronger protection and sustained support comes as senior citizens account for a significant portion of Kalinga's population.

Based on the Philippine Statistics Authority's (PSA) 2024 Census of Population (POPCEN), Kalinga has approximately 24,288 residents aged 60 and above, representing around 10.3 percent of the province's household population of 235,391.

The figure was derived from the census age-group data covering residents aged 60–64, 65–69, 70–74, 75–79, 80–84, and 85 years and above.

The 2024 census data reflect the growing importance of government programs and services that address the needs of the elderly, particularly in healthcare, social protection, and community-based assistance.

While the PSA's published age-distribution table provides provincial figures, it does not separately identify the number of senior citizens in Tabuk City and each of Kalinga's seven municipalities.

Odiem emphasized that senior citizens remain important members of society whose contributions should continue to be valued and whose rights and welfare must be protected beyond the annual Elderly Week celebration.