The nation came together to honor the strength, wisdom, and enduring contributions of elderly Filipinos at the 2nd Gawad Parangal para sa Nakatatandang Pilipino, held on October 15, 2025, at the Quezon City MICE Convention Center (QC MICE).
The annual event, jointly organized by the Coalition of Services of the Elderly (COSE) and partner institutions, served as a powerful reminder that aging is not the end of one’s purpose — it is a celebration of a life of service, dignity, and continuing contribution to nation-building.
While DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian was unable to attend, he was ably represented by Assistant Secretary Edmon B. Monteverde, Assistant Secretary for Promotive Programs of the DSWD, who delivered the Secretary’s keynote message reaffirming the government’s steadfast commitment to the welfare and dignity of senior citizens. The event was also graced by Senator Bongbong, alongside 25 national awardees and 8 special honorees from across the country, each symbolizing the unwavering dedication and spirit 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 tireless champion of senior citizens’ rights and author of landmark legislation such as 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 at the forefront of legislative reforms for the elderly.
In his 20th Congress Accomplishment Report, the SCPL representative reaffirmed their commitment to programs that uphold the KKK framework — Kalusugan, Kasiyahan, at Kabuhayan — ensuring that every Filipino senior lives with dignity, joy, and security. Among the key initiatives include the push for Universal Social Pension, Geriatric Health Programs, Employment Opportunities for Senior Citizens, and the Graduated Senior Citizens Act that expands benefits according to age.
This year’s Gawad Parangal theme, “Pagtutulungan, Pagpapahalaga, at Pagmamahal sa Nakatatanda,” encapsulates the deep gratitude of the nation toward its elders — the parents, mentors, and pioneers who built the foundations of today’s society. The program not only recognizes their lifetime achievements but also reaffirms the moral duty of government and citizens alike to ensure that the elderly are valued, protected, and empowered.
“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 statement emphasized.
As the event concluded, applause and emotion 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 with lasting policies of care, justice, and respect.