Halad Continues In Liloan

Some senior citizens from Barangay Yati, Liloan literally danced for joy after receiving rice packs from the Cebu Provincial Government’s “Halad Alang Kang Lolo ug Lola” program at the San Roque Parish in Liloan today.

The annual program dedicated to the elderly of the province of Cebu benefited the 2,356 senior citizens of six (6) barangays from the municipality of Liloan.

Governor Hilario P. Davide III and Vice Governor Agnes Magpale led the distribution in the six barangays namely Yati, Sta. Cruz, Cabadiangan, Calero, Catarman, and Tayud.

Davide and Magpale have been going around to more than a thousand barangays in the entire province for the annual program.

The distribution is more than giving of goods; it is also a way for the provincial government to determine the number of the elderlies in the entire province.

Magpale mentioned during the distribution that aside from the goods that they give annually, they are planning to give cash incentives to the senior citizens.

Part of the process is to provide a complete masterlist of the senior citizens to the provincial board to appropriate funds.

Davide also assured the senior citizens that they are heard in the provincial government especially with the creation of the Senior Citizens Council.

“Makasaysayanon kaayo kini tungod kay sa pinakauna nga higayon, napanday sa Provincial Board ang Senior Citizens Council. Ang inyong mga suggestion, makasigurado gyud nga anaay tingog didto sa Kapitolyo,” Davide guaranteed.

The program also became a venue for the Capitol and local government leaders to encourage other senior citizens to register and participate in the organization.

For Leonida Mata, attending meetings for their organization is a social responsibility. Mata admitted that some of the senior citizens in their barangays were not participative.

“Para nila hasul sa panginabuhi pero ako sila’ng ingnon nga ang gamay’ng kahasol aduna man gyu’y tam-is nga balos. Malipay man sad mi og naay mga kalihukan alang namo,” said Mata, a 64 year old street cleaner in barangay Calero.

Felipa Cuyos whose source of living is fully dependent on selling of shells expressed her gratitude to the people who continues the program.

“Salamat kaayo sa mga nagpaluyo ani nga programa. Maayo nalang ni kay makadugang sa among suplay,” Cuyos added.

Meanwhile, the senior citizens who danced for joy said they want to show their gratitude by dancing, “Nanayaw gyud mi kay gawas sa hilig kini namo, nalipay kaayo mi sa bugas nga among nadawat,” said 74-year old Arcadia Ponce with Gregoria Pepito, 83 and Lydia Hisoler, 74.

PB member Miguel Magpale, Liloan Vice Mayor Dr. Joselito Pilapil, and some barangay officials also attended the distribution.

By Cris Lanie Delos Reyes

www.cebu.gov.ph