THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Davao Region gears up for Elderly Filipino Week slated from October 1 to 7.

With this year’s theme: “Igalang ang Nakatatanda at ang Kanilang mga Karapatan,” DSWD-Davao public information officer Carmela Duron said the event underscores the elders and their rights should be respected.

The event will be spearheaded by DSWD in partnership with other government agencies, local government units, and non-government organizations.

“As the lead agency in social protection, we continuously conduct various activities to promote the rights and welfare of the disadvantage and vulnerable sector, including older persons,” Duron said.

The agency is also expecting 2,000 participants from different senior citizens’ organizations nationwide, other government agencies, and non-government organizations to join their Walk for Life, which will start at the SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City at 5:30 a.m. and will end at the Quezon City Memorial Circle.

Walk for Life is held annually by the Department of Health (DOH) to enhance awareness of the public about its health concerns and well-being of the older persons.

The Presidential Proclamation No. 470 mandates the annual celebration of The Elderly Filipino Week or Ang Linggo ng Nakatatandang Filipino every first week of October to emphasize the role of the elders and their other concerns. (IVY C. TEJANO, Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on October 01, 2015)