Mayor Rivera spends time with senior citizens

By Ian John M. Lagare

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (13 June 2014) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera spent quality time with more than 5,000 members of the city’s senior citizens Monday (June 9).

The mayor was the guest of the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) in their Mid-Year Assembly and Election at Lagao Gymnasium.

“For a very, very long time, it is the first time that the city mayor of General Santos City has attended our gathering. We are so happy that Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera had his time for us,” said Jacinto Gutang, outgoing OSCA chairperson.

In his speech, Mayor Rivera said that he prioritized the assembly because he acknowledges the role of senior citizens in nation-building.

“I acknowledge our elderly as the ones who trod the way so that we can reach where we are right now. They are our pioneers; therefore, we should never undermine the things that they have done for us,” Mayor Rivera said.

With the partnership of City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and Mike Wee of Grab-A-Crab, Mayor Rivera also hosted a free medical check-up and feeding program for the elderly during the event.

The assembly coincided with election for three nominees for the next chairperson of OSCA.

After the top three nominees have been determined, Mayor Rivera will screen and select among them the next head of that office.

“I am stepping down in my position this coming November 30. I hope this election will further extend the good changes the mayor endeavors for the city. I trust that Mayor Rivera will select the right person that will assume my position,” Gutang said.

Included in the priority areas of “C.L.E.A.N Gensan” (Creating a Livable Environment for All Generals towards Nation-building) of Mayor Rivera is the giving of quality social services to the women, children and elderly of the city. (GENSAN CPIO/Ian John M. Lagare)