THE House of Representatives organized on Monday a community outreach program as part of the 2024 HRep Month celebration and the institution’s 117th founding anniversary. Representing the values of empathy, solidarity and service, the Committee Affairs Department (CAD) spearheaded the project, which focused on supporting the elderly and orphaned children in residential care facilities located at Barangay Bago Bantay, Quezon City.
The House secretariat and congressional staff visited the Golden Reception and Action Center for the Elderly and other Special Cases (GRACES), bringing joy and smiles to senior citizen wards of the facility with their gifts — such as crutches, wheelchairs, walkers, canes, adult diapers, shirts, food and other basic necessities.
United Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Milagros Aquino-Magsaysay graced the event and expressed her joy at the opportunity of meeting the constituents that she represents in Congress.
“Kaya po, pinili ko pong irepresenta (senior citizens) sa Kongreso ay para maipaglaban ang inyong karapatan, kapakanan, benepisyo at prebelehiyo,” Aquino-Magsaysay said.
She also vowed to continue visiting the home care facility to guarantee that the welfare of the GRACES senior citizens is adequately addressed.
In a heartwarming exchange, the elderlies expressed their gratitude by filling the afternoon with lively songs and dances, creating an atmosphere of celebration and camaraderie. Laughter and music also echoed through the hall, as the event beautifully showcased the power of compassion as well as the essence of giving back to the community.
The secretariat and congressional staff also dedicated their time to the kids at the Reception and Study Center for Children, reinforcing the value of empathy, particularly for neglected, abandoned and abused children as well as for those with special needs.
A cheerful atmosphere enveloped the venue as the children played and had fun all afternoon, tirelessly enjoying every moment with the visitors who showered them with love and attention and making the day truly special. They eagerly received various donations including toys, milk, chocolate powdered drinks, chips and slippers, among other gifts, adding to the joyous spirit of the day.
These activities were also made possible through the donations from several lawmakers including Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Bulacan Rep. Salvador Pleyto, Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes, Makati City Rep. Romulo Peña and Laguna Rep. Loreto Amante.
About the Author
