The Golden Reception and Action Center for Elderly and other Special Cases (GRACES) is the youngest residential care facility managed by the DSWD-NCR, having been established two (2) years ago. During the joyful celebration of its second founding anniversary, GRACES awarded plaques of appreciation to their partners who join the journey of caring for the elderly.

The event carried the theme “Huwarang Pagkalinga at Pag-aaruga Alay sa Nakakatanda.” A thanksgiving mass was offered in the morning to formally begin the celebration. In her opening remarks, Ms. Ada A. Colico, Officer-In-Charge of GRACES, recounted the humble beginnings of GRACES and the center’s commitment to serve the sector of older persons in the National Capital Region.

Another message was from Ms. Joanna L. Hizon, Social Welfare Officer III and focal person for older persons, who represented Director Margarita Sampang of Protective Services Bureau. In her message, she encouraged the guests and partners to support the elderly and their welfare, as they are the invaluable possessions that are crucial to the development of our society.

Prior to the awarding of partners, an intermission number was rendered by a resident, Ms. Linda Velasco who sang a Capella the song, “The best thing that ever happened to me,” a Steve Lawrence original.

Some 11 partners were awarded with plaques of recognition. Most of them belong to the medical, health profession and members of trimedia who advocate for older persons. Of these, six (6) were present and received their recognition. They are Mr. Alfredo Li of Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, Philippines; Mr. Daniel S. Razon of UNTV; Dr. Ferdinand Cavalida of TB-DOTS in Bago Bantay, Quezon City; Ms. Bernadette Sercada, Pathologist and Ms. Veneranda Leal of the Medical Social Service – Quezon City General Hospital, and Mr. Miguel A. Ramos Jr. MD, Ph.D. of the National Center of Geriatric Health.

Meanwhile, in her response message, Dr. Rosita Dalos of Buddhist Tzuchi Foundation, Philippines expressed her gratitude for the recognition and committed to continuously support GRACES as one of its partners in providing necessary services for the elderly.
Due to the encouragement of the audience, another intermission number was rendered but this time it was between the male residents and the female staff, dancing the cha-cha. After the performance, the masters of ceremony called from the audience for a testimonial. They called on Ms. Florentina B. Ameng, better known as “lola Amengstage .”

She narrated how she, having no known relative, found her way to GRACES. Her abandonment fortified her relationship with the Lord and that she and her companion would frequent the Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila for any signs of hope. This was until such time that she and her friend learnt about GRACES and how she was interviewed by the social worker leading to her eventual admission to the center. “Masaya ako dito, mababait po sila. Nakatagpo ako ng pagmamahal,” she said.

For the closing remarks, Assistant Secretary Teodulo R. Romo Jr. said: “Tayong lahat ang bumubuo ng facility na ito kung kaya’t ang tulong na binibigay natin sa mga nakatatanda ay tulong para sa ating sarili dahil balang araw, tayo rin ay hahantong sa pagtanda. Kaya maigi na panatilihin natin ang magandang adhikain ng pagtulong sa mga nakatatanda at sana hindi kayo magsawa sa pagtulong, lalo na sa mga naririto sa GRACES.”

Designed as a transition place, GRACES was established to cater to the needs of the abandoned, neglected and unattached senior citizens and Spinal Cord injured patients from Philippine Orthopedic Center. The compound is located in Misamis Extension, Bago Bantay, Quezon City. ###