Inquirer Opinion / Columns http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20110131-317595/12-Little-Things-Every-Senior-Citizen-Can-Do

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Reveille : 12 Little Things Every Senior Citizen Can Do By Ramon J. Farolan Philippine Daily Inquirer

Posted date: January 31, 2011

ON FRIDAY, Feb. 4, an event dubbed Senior Citizens Revolution shall be launched at the Pacita Astrodome in San Pedro, Laguna, with Ms. Ballsy Aquino-Cruz as keynote speaker representing President Benigno Aquino III. Over 2,000 senior citizens including the provincial presidents of senior citizens groups in various provinces will be in attendance.

The event is organized by Kabayanihan, a foundation that seeks to promote the greatness of the Filipino and our country through cultural transformation. Alex Lacson, who ran for senator in the last elections, is the founder and chair emeritus of the group. We all know Alex as the author of the bestselling book, Twelve Little Things Every Filipino Can Do To Help Our Country. The president is Siegfred Mison of the Malcolm law firm, with Paul Chua as project director.

Inspired by the bestseller of Alex, the senior citizens of San Pedro, Laguna, came up with a similar list of what every senior citizen can do for the country. From the numerous suggestions and recommendations of the San Pedro group, the foundation came up with Twelve Little Things Every Senior Citizen Can Do To Help Our Country. This will be presented to the gathering on Friday afternoon. I have been asked to say a few words on senior citizens rights and responsibilities.

The Twelve Little Things Every Senior Citizen Can Do are as follows:

1. Lead your family to pray daily for our country and people.

2. Exercise daily; eat healthy food.

3. Lead your family in cleaning your surroundings including the street fronting your house.

4. Obey traffic rules and follow the law. Be a good model for the youth.

5. Men should not pee anywhere on the streets. Be a good example for our youth.

6. Do not engage in gossip, rumor or character assassination. Promote friendship, harmony and unity in your community.

7. Speak positively about the Filipino and our Philippines. Be an ambassador of our race.

8. Buy local. Buy Filipino. Have faith in the Filipino.

9. Conserve water; plant a tree; dispose of your garbage properly.

10. Report any crime or illegal activity, especially those against the youth. Protect the young from physical and moral harm.

11. During elections, support and vote for the best candidate. Be part of the change.

12. Adopt a scholar or donate to scholarship programs. Invest in the future of our youth.

Last Nov. 30 (Andres Bonifacio Day), Kabayanihan also launched a Cultural Revolution by the Youth during which a book on Twelve Little Things Every Filipino Youth Can Do To Help Our Country was presented. President Aquino attended the

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