The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Thursday, Feb. 20 launched its intergenerational project, “Apo Ko: Kwento ni Lolo't Lola, Gabay ng Kabataan,” at the Haven for the Elderly in Tanay, Rizal to bridge the gap between the elderly and young children by harnessing the wisdom and experiences of the elderly to guide and teach the youth valuable life lessons.
The launch was attended by various key officials, including DSWD Undersecretary for International Affairs, Attached, and Supervised Agencies Emmeline Aglipay Villar, who delivered the message of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian.
In her address, Villar highlighted the significance of the project in recognizing the elderly as the pillars of society, with the youth being the future of the country.
The project, which is being piloted at the Haven for the Elderly and the Golden Reception and Action Center (GRACES), features “Apo, Lola, Lolo Sessions”—interactive story-bonding sessions where elderly participants share life stories with children aged four to five from child development centers.
The sessions are complemented by engaging activities known as “Legacy Labs,” designed to foster deeper connections and learning.
The highlight of the launch was a storytelling session by Jaime Alfonso, a member of the “dream team” of elderly storytellers from DSWD’s centers.
Alfonso shared a humorous and educational story titled “Ingat, Munting Sisiw.” His story not only entertained but also imparted important values such as caring for others and the importance of family.
After the story, the children enthusiastically responded when asked about the lesson they learned, with many of them chanting “mahalin ang magulang” (love your parents).
The project aims to create lasting connections between the older and younger generations.
By encouraging the elderly to pass down their life experiences through storytelling, DSWD hopes to nurture a sense of respect, love, and understanding between these two vital sectors of society.