Grandparents' Day

Grandparents’ Day

GRANDPARENTS’ Day is celebrated every year to honor grandparents, to give them an opportunity to show love for their children’s children, and to help children become aware of the strength, information, and guidance grandparents can offer.

The annual tribute to grandparents was begun by Mrs. Marian McQuade, 76year-old mother of 15, grandmother of 40, and great grandmother of 3. At her initiative and persistence, the State of West Virginia, USA, began in 1973 the celebration honoring grandparents. Five years later, the US Congress passed a law proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents’ Day. Later, September was designated the month to celebrate this special day for it signifies the "autumn years’’ of life.

About 6.4 percent of the 80 million population in the Philippines are elderly Filipinos 60 years old and above. By year 2020, they are estimated to increase to 9.5 percent of our population.

Grandparents in the Philippines continue to play many vital roles in the family and the community. In many instances, they are the breadwinners in the family or caregivers for their grandchildren as their children go to work and are away the whole day. They are also a fountain of wisdom and counsel for the yet inexperienced members of the family.

Let us shower our lolos and lolas with affection during this special day designated for them. "Araw ni Lolo at ni Lola’’ is one way of recognizing or acknowledging the many good things they have done to improve our lives, especially during the years when we were youngsters.

Celebrating "Araw ni Lolo at ni Lola’’ could be made meaningful by helping them meet their many special needs, such as health care, housing, income security, social services. The government has been responsive to their needs. The passage of Republic Act No. 9257 (Senior Citizens Act of 2003) gives Filipino senior citizens free medical and dental services, exempts them from paying diagnostic and laboratory fees in governmental health facilities, in addition to the privileges granted them under Republic Act 7432, the old Senior Citizens Act.

Our lolos and lolas – they are our living links with our past.

Happy Grandparents’ Day!