‘They built the Kalinga we enjoy today’: Gov. Edduba recognizes sacrifices of older generations, pushes stronger programs senior citizens

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The progress Kalinga enjoys today would not have been possible without the hard work and sacrifices of its older generations, whose years of service to their families, farms, and communities helped shape the province, Governor James S. Edduba said.

In a message delivered by Atty. Jessie Mae M. Malasi-Gumilab during the 2026 Provincial Elderly Week Celebration on Thursday, October 29, at the Kalinga Sports Center, Edduba recognized senior citizens for their invaluable contributions to the province's growth and development.

“The progress and development that we enjoy as a province would not have been possible without the dedication, hard work, and sacrifices of the generations who came before us. Kalinga’s progress [is] built on older generations’ sacrifices,” Edduba said.

He stressed that those who helped build the province should not be left behind as Kalinga continues to pursue development.

“Let us build a Kalinga where growing old does not mean being left behind,” he said.

Edduba emphasized that respect for the elderly should go beyond annual celebrations and expressions of appreciation. It must also be reflected in government programs, policies, public services, and everyday actions that address their needs.

Under his LUMIN-AWA Kalinga Agenda, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to improving senior citizens' access to healthcare and social welfare assistance through strengthened coordination with municipal governments, national government agencies, and senior citizens' associations.

“No senior citizen should feel forgotten, neglected, or left behind. Every elderly person deserves to receive proper care, to be treated with respect, and to feel that they remain a valued and important member of society,” he said.

The provincial celebration gathered senior citizens from Balbalan, Lubuagan, Pasil, Pinukpuk, Rizal, Tanudan, Tinglayan, and Tabuk City for activities promoting fellowship, wellness, and active participation among the elderly.

Activities included Zumba and chorale competitions among local senior citizens' associations, as well as raffles and other recreational activities.

Carrying the theme, “Nakatatandang Pilipino: May Halaga at Karapatan, May Boses at Ambag sa Bayan,” the celebration highlighted the contributions of older Filipinos to nation-building while promoting their rights, dignity, and welfare.

Edduba assured that programs and initiatives for senior citizens would remain an integral part of his administration's development agenda beyond the annual Elderly Week celebration.