DFA-OCA Donates Hygiene Kits, Other Goods to Elderly at Golden Reception and Action Center for the Elderly and Other Special Cases

(Photo taken during the short program at the GRACES, Photo courtesy of OCA-PITS)

MANILA 01 August 2024 – Following the success of the first OCA Bazaar, held last May 2024, and in celebration of Father's Day, Pride Month, and the 126th Philippine Independence Day, the Office of Consular Affairs (OCA), in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), successfully conducted the “Second OCA Bazaar,” which was held from 24 June 2024 until 28 June 2024.

The Second OCA Bazaar aimed to provide promising small-scale merchants with more economic opportunities and showcase their proudly Filipino-made products. Consequently, the participation fees collected from all participating merchants were used to buy hygiene kits, slippers, and food condiments, identified as necessities for the admitted elderly at the Golden Reception and Action Center for the Elderly and Other Special Cases (GRACES), Quezon City.

A total of thirty (30) merchants participated in the Bazaar, 20 of which were provided by DTI and 10 are from OCA. During the week-long event, consular applicants and DFA personnel enjoyed a variety of local food and products.

From the participation fee and donations, 200 hygiene kits, 200 slippers, 6 sacks of rice, and a supply of condiments were produced. The Office of the Assistant Secretary of OCA repackaged the kits before the turnover. Each hygiene kit comprises a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, non-slip slippers, and a menthol inhaler.

The hygiene kits were turned over to the Golden Reception and Action Center for the Elderly and Other Special Cases (GRACES) on 19 July 2024, led by Assistant Secretary Adelio Angelito S. Cruz. Members of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of OCA, the OCA Gender and Development Focal Point System (OCA-GFPS), and representatives from GRACES attended a short program. Selected personnel from OCA also offered song numbers to elderly present at the program.

OCA recognizes the invaluable contribution to economic progress and nation-building of all elders. The Office also acknowledges the challenges faced by GRACES in maintaining a safe and comfortable facility for the elderly. The Office hopes that by donating the hygiene kits and food, it was able to address their basic needs and, in a way, express its utmost appreciation for the valuable role of the elderly in society. Moreso, to provide companionship, joy, and optimism during the said activity.

Due to the Second OCA Bazaar's success and positive feedback, OCA plans to make the activity reoccurring in celebrations related to gender and development. Proceeds from succeeding bazaars may be donated to new beneficiaries, particularly sectors that OCA caters to in the Courtesy Lane (i.e., pregnant women, senior citizens, persons with disability, among others), or used in other charitable activities as part of our engagement with the community and the marginalized sectors in the society. END

(Personnel of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of OCA preparing the hygiene kits, Photo courtesy of Ms. Chelsea Bless Nabing and Hannah Andione Benedicto of OCA.)

(At the center is Assistant Secretary Adelio Angelito S.Cruz of OCA; on his left is Mr. Arnel Bautista with representatives of the Golden Reception and Action Center for the Elderly and Other Special Cases, and in blue shirt are personnel of the Office of the Assistant Secretary and Gender and Development Focal Point System (OCA-GFPS) of OCA, Photo courtesy of OCA-PITS)

(Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the Second OCA Bazaar headed by UKSCA USec. Jesus S. Domingo. To his left, OCA Asec. Adelio Angelito S. Cruz, HRMO Asec. Christopher B. Montero, and OPD Asec. Arvin R. De Leon. To his right, DTI-OTOP Dir. Marivic Bonoan, OCD Asec. Celia Anna M. Feria, and OCA PA Ana Angela C. Cabillan.)