A senior citizen does not need to be a Makati City resident to live happily after retirement.
Despite having problems with his prostate, 73-year-old Placido Tocio does not worry so much for his medical needs since he is living in Valenzuela City.
Even though he depends on his meager P2,000 pension every month, Lolo Placido is confident that the city government will help him take care of his health.
“Masaya ako at proud na isa akong Valenzuelano. Dahil sa Valenzuela, talagang inaalagaan ang mga matatandang tulad ko,” Lolo Placido said.
The septuagenarian is one of the senior citizens who always find help in various health programs being delivered in Valenzuela City like the Medical Screening for the Elderly.
Held at the Valenzuela City Social Hall last October 10, the event offered the elderly free medical screening for bone, foot, cholesterol, FBS (fasting blood sugar), breast, and prostate among others.
With the help of Valenzuela City Congressman Win Gatchalian, the free medical screening for senior citizens was conducted in line with the celebration of the Elderly Filipino Week.
“Kapag mayroong pambili ng gamot, nakakainom ako. Pero kapag walang pera, hihintayin ko na lang na dumating ang pension ko,” Lolo Placido shared.
“Kaya nakakatuwa na nagsasagawa sila ng ganito (medical screening) kasi nalalaman ko kung ano na ba ang kalagayan ng sakit ko,” he added.
Lolo Placido also lauded other officials in Valenzuela City for always helping him get his regular FBS, cholesterol, bone, and prostate check-up.
“Kita mo na very concerned sila sa amin (senior citizens) kasi hindi lang naman ito minsanan. Napakalaking tulong talaga ito para sa amin,” he added.
The Rotary Club of Valenzuela, WIN organizations and JCI-Valenzuela also helped organize the medical screening, which was able to accommodate 500 elders. (Camille Nepomuceno)