Senior citizens in Botolan town, Zambales province hold their candle-lit birthday cupcakes during a recent birthday party organized by the provincial government. (Contributed photo)
SAN ANTONIO, Zambales — After being stuck in their homes at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, senior citizens in this province are gathering again once a month for a big birthday bash.
The provincial government has resumed the birthday parties it holds for the senior citizens from the 13 municipalities in the province, giving away gifts and free cakes, Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. said Friday, September 30.
The event also serves as a venue for the induction of officials and members of the province’s senior citizen associations.
According to Ebdane, the activity was consistently held before the pandemic, gathering those whose birthdays fall within the month. It was suspended due to some restrictions.
The recent re-staging, however, feted seniors born from January to August to make up for lost time.
For the rest of this year, Ebdane said the seniors’ birthday parties would revert to their quarterly schedule.
Ebdane explained that these activities are a fitting ceremony to appreciate and give importance to the elderly residents.
“In the past, these people were the pillars of the community—teachers, businessmen, government officials, and civic leaders, as well as farmers, fishers, and workers who contributed their best time to our community, so they are really important,” said Ebdane.
“Now we’re telling them in the best way we can that we have not forgotten,” he added. INQ