SN launches b-day treat, free movies for senior citizens

San Nicolas Mayor Melanie Valdez

By Dominic B. dela Cruz

Staff Reporter

San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte—The municipal government here has begun to “walk the talk” as it launched their tribute and recognition to all of their senior citizens.

The San Nicolas government formally launched on April 29 at the Ferdinand Marcos Mini Cultural Center the birthday package treat and free movies for all senior citizens program.

San Nicolas mayor Melanie Grace Valdez said all senior citizens in their municipality will be given birthday cake. Due to a delay, however, a grand birthday celebration for senior citizens who celebrated their natal days on March and April was held on April 29.

Of the total 400 birthday celebrators, at least 300 were able to attend. The remainder were bedridden or could no longer walk. In view of this, their birthday cakes were delivered to their respective residences.

This program, Ms. Valdez, said was initiated by her husband, former San Nicolas mayor—now vice mayor—Alfredo P. Valdez Jr. to recognize the senior citizens in this town.

The mayor added that this is one way of thanking their senior citizens for their participation in the town’s progress and development.

From here on in, the mayor said birthday cakes will be delivered to the celebrators.

During the grand event, some of the celebrators became emotional in thanking the municipal government for giving them importance. They hope more privileges would be given to them as their age continue to advance.

In addition to birthday cakes, the local government is also giving senior citizens free movie tickets. Ms. Valdez however disclosed that the memorandum of agreement between the LGU and the mall in this town is still being processed.

When approved, the free movie access would be given to senior citizens every first screenings of Mondays and Tuesdays. The first screening usually starts at 12 noon.

Senior citizens only need to present their new valid identification cards as their passes.

Meanwhile, municipal government officials are also planning to put up a senior citizens’ building. Ms. Valdez said they are contemplating converting half of the mothering center recently turned over to the LGU.

Ms. Valdez divulged further that they are also studying the establishment of a program recognizing centenarians in this town.