Lapu-Lapu City expands senior care

CEBU, Philippines — At least 1,200 senior citizens in Lapu-Lapu City took part in activities promoting Alzheimer’s awareness, senior mental health and healthy aging during the city’s observance of Elderly Filipino Week 2026 and Alzheimer’s Awareness Day.

Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan said the city would continue making services accessible to senior citizens and responding to their needs, recognizing their contributions to their families and the community.

“You have spent many years caring for your families and contributing to our communities, and we will continue to make services accessible to you and respond to your needs. Your health matters, your voice matters, and your contributions continue to have a place in the life of our city,” King-Chan said.

The activity was held on October 1 at the Hoops Dome in Barangay Gun-ob and was organized by the Lapu-Lapu City Government in partnership with the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) Region VII.

It carried the theme, “Mga Katigulangang Pilipino: May Bili ug Katungod, May Tingog ug Padayong Nagtampo sa Nasod,” highlighting the rights, dignity and continuing contributions of senior citizens.

NCSC-7 Regional Director Jocelyn Tabotabo said the celebration was also intended to help seniors and their families recognize the signs of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

“Senior citizens still have value and make important contributions to the country. Our activity today is not just to inform seniors about the information and signs, but also to discuss programs and prevention measures for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia,” Tabotabo said.

She said greater awareness could help families identify warning signs, seek medical advice early and better understand how to support relatives living with dementia.

Tabotabo also posed a question to participants about how families would cope if they eventually could no longer recognize their loved ones because of the condition.

Aside from the discussions, the senior citizens participated in an Elderly Line Dance Exercise and a mental health talk facilitated by the National Mental Health Development Office.

The City Health Office also provided free services during the event, including memory screening, medical and dental consultations, health information, prescription services and medicine dispensing.

Senior citizens were also assisted with PhilHealth YAKAP registration, while PSA mobile services and discussions on dementia and senior mental health were made available through partner agencies.

The city government also cited Republic Act No. 11982, or the Expanded Centenarians Act, which provides a ?10,000 cash gift to Filipinos upon reaching the ages of 80, 85, 90 and 95.

The activity was supported by the City Social Welfare and Development Office, Office of Senior Citizens Affairs, PhilHealth, Commission on Filipinos Overseas, national government agencies, Cebu Provincial Government, nongovernment organizations, health professionals and private partners.

The city said the activities form part of its continuing efforts to promote the health, rights and welfare of senior citizens. — (FREEMAN)