In a small community store in Barangay Cabacungan, Barobo, one can often find Nanay Loita, 67 years old, attentively assisting residents as they buy rice. Her hands, though marked by age, remain steady and full of care. It may be just a small store, but

 for the community, it has become a vital source of hope and support during difficult times.

Barangay Cabacungan is the farthest barangay in the municipality of Barobo—about 45 minutes away from the town proper. Traveling to the town by motorcycle can cost nearly ₱1,000 in fare, often more expensive than the rice itself. Because of this, access to food and other basic necessities has long been a challenge for residents. This gap, however, was addressed through unity and collective effort with the establishment of an association on February 7, 2020.

Nanay Loita, a senior citizen, serves as the president of the Cabacungan SLP Association, which has 29 members, three of whom are senior citizens who remain actively involved in its operations.

“We never thought that being senior citizens meant we could no longer contribute to the community. We are still capable of working. We thought about what could help both us and the people, and that is why we came together,” Nanay Loita shared.

Pr

eviously beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the group was encouraged by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to venture into a livelihood program. Through this, they identified the urgent need for rice in their barangay, leading to the formation of an association that has since brought peace of mind to residents.

“We are truly grateful to DSWD for the significant help it has provided to us and to our community, and to the SLP staff who have consistently supported us from the very beginning,” Nanay Loita added.

Among the active senior members are Nanay Winita, 67, known for her thick hair and energetic presence.

“Just because we are senior citizens does not mean we can no longer do anything. I am happy that at my age, I can still help others—especially those who struggle to buy rice,” she said while assisting at the store.

Another senior member, Nanay Norita, 60, also expressed her gratitude.

“Whenever

we have meetings or activities, I consider it a great privilege to still be part of this group. Our association has truly become our refuge in times of difficulty,” Norita shared.

Today, whenever residents run out of rice, they can easily purchase or even avail of it on credit through the association. Not only residents of Cabacungan benefit from this initiative—neighboring barangays also rely on their service. Each year, the associatio

n earns no less than ₱5,000, and every December, they show appreciation to loyal customers by distributing free rice.

“This association has helped us immensely. In times of hardship, this is truly where we turn,” Nanay Loita emphasized.

For them, age is never a reason to stop serving. In truth, growing older is a source of wisdom, hope, and inspiration.

“To the younger generation, proper management of an association is the key to sustainable progress. Even at our age, it should never be a reason for us not to contribute something good to the community,” Nanay Loita reminded.

In Barangay Cabacungan, though far from the town center, unity and the leadership of seniors like Loita, Winita, and Norita prove that age is not a limitation—it is a gift that helps shape a life of dignity and purpose.

Looking at the experience of Barangay Cabacungan, it is evident that the genuine efforts of senior citizens not only uplift their own lives but also strengthen and inspire their entire community.

Through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the DSWD—which provides opportunity, support, and guidance—the efforts of Nanay Loita and her fellow members became possible. DSWD’s assistance opened doors for senior citizens to continue finding purpose and to show that, regardless of age, their wisdom and strength still have an important place in the community.

This story stands as a living reflection of this year’s theme for senior citizens:
“Embracing Age: Living a Life with Dignity and Purpose.”

Together with its community partners, DSWD continues to ensure that senior citizens remain strong pillars of development—honored for their role in upholding dignity and purpose in life.