DFA Consular Office CO Puerto Princesa Celebrates 10th Anniversary, World Senior Citizens Day, and Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa

(from left to right) JCI Member Yazmin Hapsan, 2024 Peacock Jaycees President  Ms. Camille Anne Neacole Catama, Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines President Mercedes T. Avanceña, HCO Liza Jane Estalilla, and CO Puerto Princesa’s Alternate GAD Focal Point Officer Dannah Rachel Pilpil, in a souvenir photo with  senior citizens during the celebration of CO Puerto Princesa’s 10th Anniversary at Robinsons Palawan, World Senior Citizens Day, and Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa held at the Robinsons Palawan Expansion Area on 19 August 2024.

PUERTO PRINCESA 27 August 2024 – The DFA Consular Office - Puerto Princesa celebrated the 10th anniversary of the establishment of its Office at Robinsons Palawan on 19 August 2024 at the Robinsons Palawan Expansion Area. To make this milestone more meaningful and far-reaching, CO Puerto Princesa organized a joint celebration of the World Senior Citizens Day and Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa in collaboration with Robinsons Palawan, the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), the Puerto Princesa City Health Office, the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Puerto Princesa Peacock, Inc., and the Palawan Dental Association.

Dubbed as “BIYAHE, KALUSUGAN AT PELIKULA PARA KAY LOLO AT LOLA” the whole day event consisted of passporting services for seniors, free medical checkups, medications, and dental hygiene kits for indigent senior citizens in Puerto Princesa City. The elderly also enjoyed a movie treat from the Robinsons Movieworld and were provided with lunch and snacks by the JCI and its supporters.  A total of 140 senior citizens, composed of 111 females and 29 males, have benefited from the medical services rendered by the Puerto Princesa City Health Office and its partners.

Representatives from the participating agencies gave their inspirational messages during the program organized by CO Puerto Princesa to highlight the significance of the three celebrations for the month of August. 

In her welcome remarks, Head of Consular Office (HCO) Liza Jane V. Estalilla, informed the audience that aside from providing passport and other consular services to the public, the Department of Foreign Affairs is also tasked with the preservation and enhancement of our national security, the attainment of economic security and the protection of the rights and welfare of Filipinos overseas. CO Puerto Princesa through its public diplomacy programs endeavors to go an extra mile in collaborating with other government agencies and civic organizations to reach out to various sectors of society such as the senior citizens under the whole-of-nation approach. 

During the program, a group of senior citizens provided entertainment with a performance of Philippine folk dances while Mr. Mark Jeric S. Canaricio of CO Puerto Princesa rendered an inspiring Filipino song number to highlight the observance of Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa.  

Special prizes were awarded to the oldest male and female senior citizens and the first ten senior early birds. Mrs. Mercedes Avanceña, President of the Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines (FSCAP), expressed their profound thanks and appreciation to CO Puerto Princesa and their partner agencies for the kind assistance and heartwarming care and importance accorded to them during this occasion. END

Senior citizens availing themselves of the free medical check-ups and medicines from the City Health Office and its partners.

Senior Citizens entertaining the audience with a lively folk dance number to highlight the observance of the Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa during the month of August.

Senior early birds receive special prizes courtesy of the Puerto Princesa City Health Office and the Palawan Medical Representative (PMR).

Senior citizens enjoyed an afternoon movie treat at the Robinsons Movieworld with snacks from the JCI Puerto Princesa Peacock, Inc.  and its supporters.