2nd Gawad Parangal celebrates Filipino seniors’ legacy and service to the nation

The nation came together to pay tribute to the strength, wisdom, and lifelong contributions of elderly Filipinos at the 2nd Gawad Parangal para sa Nakatatandang Pilipino, held on 15 October 2025, at the Quezon City MICE Convention Center (QC MICE).

Jointly organized by the Coalition of Services of the Elderly (COSE) and partner institutions, the annual event underscored that aging is not the end of one’s purpose — but a celebration of service, dignity, and continuing contribution to nation-building.

While DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian was unable to attend, he was represented by Assistant Secretary Edmon B. Monteverde, who reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and dignity of senior citizens. The event also featured and honored 25 national awardees and 8 special honorees from across the country, each representing the enduring dedication and resilience of Filipino elders.

A highlight of the ceremony was the “Tanging Pagkilala kay Cong. Jun Datol”, a posthumous tribute to the late Representative Francisco “Jun” Datol Jr., a staunch advocate of senior citizens’ rights and author of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act. His legacy continues to guide the advocacy of the Senior Citizens Party-List (SCPL) in the 20th Congress, which remains focused on legislative reforms for the elderly.

In its 20th Congress Accomplishment Report, SCPL reaffirmed its KKK framework — Kalusugan, Kasiyahan, at Kabuhayan — emphasizing programs that ensure dignity, joy, and security for all senior citizens. Among its priority measures are the Universal Social Pension, Geriatric Health Programs, Employment Opportunities for Senior Citizens, and the Graduated Senior Citizens Act, which aims to expand benefits according to age.

This year’s theme, “Pagtutulungan, Pagpapahalaga, at Pagmamahal sa Nakatatanda,” reflects the nation’s gratitude toward its elders — the parents, mentors, and pioneers who built the foundations of today’s society.

“Our senior citizens are not relics of the past — they are living testaments of resilience, love, and service. The Gawad Parangal reminds us that every policy we craft and every program we build must ensure that no senior citizen is left behind,” the SCPL said in a statement.

As the event concluded, applause filled the hall — not only for the awardees but for all Filipino seniors whose quiet heroism continues to guide the nation. The 2nd Gawad Parangal stands as both a celebration and a call to action: to embrace aging as a phase of purpose, to carry forward the lessons of our elders, and to honor them not just with words, but through lasting policies of care, justice, and respect.