The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 6 celebrated its first-ever Senior Citizens and Persons with Disability (PWD) Day on December 4, 2023, at the DENR VI Activity Center, Iloilo City.
The activity paid respect and appreciated the continued dedication of DENR 6 employees who are now in their senior years or being someone differently abled.
As of this writing, the regional office employs 37 senior citizens and 11 PWDs.
“We are very happy to organize this activity for our seniors and PWD. They deserve to be given the opportunity to have fun and develop stronger bonds with each other before they retire from service,” said Loida L. Mellizas, Administrative Assistant II and Senior Citizen/PWD Focal Person.
In his message, Regional Executive Director Livino B. Duran emphasized the importance of having this celebration to give credence to the efforts made by employees through the years, despite of limitations due to age and physical disabilities.
“As a senior citizen myself, I know that it is a bit more challenging now to discharge our duties. But I salute all of you for your continued service to the people and I hope that before we retire, we will be fulfilled and be shown the love and appreciation from DENR 6 that we all deserve,” RED Duran said.
The activity also became a chance for some of the retired officials and employees to be invited back for a “Kumustahanay” and shared life updates and their experiences so far in retirement.
“After years of hard work, retiring from public service gave me more time to spend with family and on myself as well. But the pandemic came and it became quite challenging for me. That’s why I am very thankful to DENR 6 for having this activity. It gave us retired employees a chance to visit our former offices once again and reconnect with former colleagues,” said retired Regional Technical Director for Research and Center Head for Visayas Region Alicia L. Lusticia.
“Manage your finances well and enjoy your retirement by spending more time with family and by continuing to be productive. Most of all, strengthen your faith in God,” retired Finance Division Chief Nemia L. Austria advised senior employees who are soon to be retirees.
Free services such as medical laboratory tests (chest x-ray, blood tests, urinalysis, and ECG), health check-ups and lecture, flu vaccinations, and massages were also offered to the participants.
Representatives from different offices such as the Pag-IBIG Fund, GSIS, DEMCO, and others were also present to answer queries of the participants.
“Be conscious of your health choices from now on. Always bear in mind that we are getting older, we are not as strong as we used to be. Regular check-ups with your physician are vital to stay in shape and seek medical attention when needed. Wellness above all is key to enjoy your retirement,” advised Dr. Agnes Segunda F. Gerasmo highlighted in her lecture titled “The Precious Elders.”
Dr. Gerasmo is a faculty at the College of Medicine, West Visayas State University and specializes in family and community medicine.
Organizers are hoping that more activities will be done for the benefit of senior citizens and PWDs at the regional office for the next calendar year. (DENR-6)
