Priest urges stronger care for elderly Filipinos

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — A Catholic priest has called for a stronger culture of care for elderly Filipinos, urging families, communities and institutions to ensure that older people are not left behind amid migration, urbanization and changing family structures.

Father Andy Peter Lubi, director of Hapag Aruga Foundation Inc., made the call Sunday, Oct. 4, during the foundation’s Elderly Filipino Week celebration at its home for abandoned and vulnerable senior citizens in Barangay Managpi.

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Lubi said older people deserve dignity and care for their role in passing on faith, values and life experiences to younger generations.

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“We need to care for our brothers and sisters, especially those who are weak and those who need our help,” Lubi said.

Drawing from the biblical image of a vineyard in the Book of Isaiah, Lubi likened caring for the elderly to tending a grapevine. He also compared senior citizens to vintage wine, saying life can become more meaningful with age when they receive proper care, companionship and attention.

“Habang tumatanda, mas lalong sumasarap ang kanilang pamumuhay,” he said.

Lubi said migration, urbanization and changing social conditions have left many elderly people vulnerable to neglect. He urged communities to help them live what he called a “vintage life” marked by dignity, companionship and care.

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Hapag Aruga currently cares for 13 elderly residents, some of whom had previously relied on neighbors for food or had been left to fend for themselves, according to organizers.

The home provides residential care, food, medical assistance, hygiene supplies and other basic needs. It also conducts livelihood and formation activities for its residents and works with government agencies, private donors and community groups.

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For elderly people who worry about who will care for them as they grow older, Lubi said faith and prayer can help ease anxiety and strengthen their sense of peace.

Elderly Filipino Week is observed annually from Oct. 1 to 7 under Presidential Proclamation No. 470. /ja