REMAI ALEJADO
Provincial Press Bureau
PAGADIAN CITY—Governor Aurora Cerilles plays lady Claus to the elderly as she joined their Christmas party held at the Balgu Building, here.
Cerilles gave away P200 worth gift certificates, equivalent to a kilo of meat purchased at Tanton Meatshop. She likewise handed wrapped gifts to some 200 senior citizens.
“It is better to give than to receive,” Cerilles quipped her one-liner to those present, who are mostly officials and members of the association of senior citizens in their respective towns around Zambosur.
Citing the elderly’s active participation as role models in community work, the governor said she would ensure that their federation receives the promised 1% share from the province’s annual budget.
As a show of appreciation, the senior citizens displayed their sing and dance performance to entertain Cerilles, who was accompanied by her father-in-law, former governor Vicente Cerilles.
The 83-year old Cerilles came with contemporaries, board members Felicidad Funtanilla and Rogelio Saniel, also professed senior citizens.
Saniel said that he is a late-bloomer in his prime, likening himself to British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher who became the head of state at the age of 65.
“I became politician after I retired,” he said.
He then offered an advice to the young and old: “Let us make use of our time, be fruitful and always in a positive spirit, while setting an example to others in the community,” he added.