ZamboSur-OSCA Updates

08/02/2026

𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐘 𝐁𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐇𝐃𝐀𝐘, 𝐌𝐑. 𝐉𝐎𝐄𝐅𝐄 𝐏. 𝐒𝐔𝐒𝐎𝐍!🎉

On behalf of the Provincial Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (POSCA) of Zamboanga del Sur, we warmly celebrate the birthday of our respected Provincial Administrator. Your dedication and leadership in serving the people of our province, especially in supporting programs that benefit our senior citizens, truly make a difference in our community.

We hope this special day brings you happiness, good health, and continued success in all that you do. Thank you for your guidance and strong commitment to the welfare of Zamboanga del Sur.

With sincere gratitude and best wishes! 🎂✨

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝗠𝗿. 𝗝𝗼𝗲𝗳𝗲 𝗣. 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗼𝗻!🎉✨

Today, we celebrate the life and leadership of our 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱, 𝗠𝗿. 𝗝𝗼𝗲𝗳𝗲 𝗣. 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗼𝗻. Your hard work, dedication, and guidance have helped West Prime grow and succeed.

On your special day, we thank you for your support and leadership. We wish you happiness, good health, and success in everything you do.

From all of us at 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲, have a wonderful and memorable birthday! 🎂🎈

✒️: John Eric

06/02/2026

𝐇𝐄𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 👋

Caring for ourselves isn’t just about staying healthy, it’s about truly living. After all you’ve given to your families and our community, caring for your body and spirit is how you keep living life to the fullest.

So don’t forget to always;

• 💧 Hydrate mindfully - Keep water close by and sip regularly; caring for your body starts with keeping it nourished from within

• 🕺 Move with joy - Take walks with loved ones, dance to music you love with your kumare or kumpare.

• 🥗 Eat with intention - Choose foods that fuel you well - so lolo don’t eat too much of crispy pata, okay? 😅 I know it’s good but caring for yourself means giving your body what it needs to thrive

• 🤝 Connect with purpose - Spend time with people who matter to you, share stories, (Alam mo ba si ano?😄) and be part of our community; caring for your heart keeps you connected to life itself.

Caring is living and you deserve to live each day feeling strong, valued, and full of life. ❤️

05/02/2026

𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐎𝐍—𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐲𝐞𝐭. 📖✨

𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝑨𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒅 𝑫𝒂𝒚 𝒎𝒂𝒚 𝒂𝒍𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒃𝒆 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔𝒏’𝒕 𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒋𝒐𝒚, 𝒔𝒂𝒅𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒆.

𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒅 𝒊𝒔 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒔𝒐 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒕’𝒔 𝒂 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒂 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒅, 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝒇𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒂𝒈𝒆, 𝒐𝒓 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒐𝒇𝒕𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒂𝒚, 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓.

𝑺𝒐 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝑨𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒅 𝑫𝒂𝒚, 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆.

𝑻𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕, 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒏 𝒂 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒔 𝒂 𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒎, 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒕, 𝒐𝒓 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏.

𝑺𝒐 𝒈𝒐 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒕 𝒇𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓, 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒇𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆, 𝑺𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒏 ✨📖

04/02/2026

#𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐀𝐘 | 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬-𝐎𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐖𝐃𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐃𝐀-𝐀𝐓𝐈

February 4, 2026

In a joint effort to support skills learning and economic opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and Senior Citizens, the Provincial Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PPDAO) together with the Provincial Office of the Senior Citizen Affairs (POSCA), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Training Institute (DA–ATI), successfully held a Candle-Making Training. This project shows the province’s ongoing promise to promote inclusive growth and increase livelihood chances for PWDs and senior citizens.

The workshop brought together PWD Federation Presidents from different towns, along with representatives from various disability groups, showing a broad and inclusive approach to skill building. The activity highlighted the province’s commitment to making sure that the knowledge and skills learned during the training could be effectively shared and used in communities.

Participants were guided through every step of making candles by hand, from picking materials to melting, shaping, and mixing scents and colors. The training also included important safety tips and basic cost management, giving participants useful skills they could use right away. Hands-on exercises let participants make their own candles, encouraging creativity, accuracy, and excitement for learning. DA–ATI trainers pointed out that candle making is a low-cost, home-based business idea with growing market chances for personal and commercial sales. They also motivated participants to create new product designs and packaging to make products more appealing and competitive in the market.

The Provincial PDAO and OSCA showed sincere thanks to the DA–ATI for giving technical help and supporting programs aimed at improving PWD and senior citizen skills. The offices restated their promise to keep working with partner agencies to provide inclusive training programs that support self-reliance and earning opportunities for PWDs.

This activity is part of a bigger effort to include PWDs and senior citizens in economic growth, strengthen local PWD groups, and make sure they can take part fairly in community projects. Through education, skill learning, and strategic partnerships, the Provincial PDAO and OSCA continue to help PWDs and senior citizens turn their abilities into chances and training into lasting livelihoods.

04/02/2026

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐒𝐂𝐀 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡

The Provincial Office of the Senior Citizen Affairs (POSCA) of Zamboanga del Sur is joining everyone across the country for National Cancer Awareness Month. We’re sharing the message “𝑯𝒐𝒑𝒆, 𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑺𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑨𝒍𝒍.”

This effort is all about making more people aware of cancer, how to prevent it, how to find it early, and why it matters to stand by our senior citizens who are fighting or have fought cancer. We also want to support the families caring for older loved ones with cancer. The purple ribbon we see stands for strength, coming together, and making sure no senior or their family has to go through this alone. Our province works hard to put the health and well-being of our elders first.

Many of our seniors have faced cancer with amazing bravery, and their families have been right there with them through every doctor visit, every treatment, and every difficult day. We know that taking care of an older family member with cancer can be tough, from keeping up with medicines to making sure they feel loved and not alone. These families give so much, and they deserve all the help and appreciation we can give them.

Let’s help get this message out there, show care to those dealing with cancer, and work to make sure every person in Zamboanga del Sur can get the help and support they need.💜❤️

Follow ZamboSur-OSCA Updates to learn more about programs for seniors and our community. Like, share, and help spread this message of hope!

04/02/2026

| POSCA/PPDAO Stre𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 Support for Senior Citizens & PWDs in Brgy. Balintawak

February 03, 2026

The Provincial Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (POSCA) and Provincial Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PPDAO) are enhancing community-based services in Brgy. Balintawak including senior citizens, particularly those with disabilities.

The Brgy. Balintawak Barangay Captain paid a courtesy visit and met with PPDAO Head/POSCA In-Charge Miriam Acosta-Llanos to formally refer a PWD client requiring assistance. The meeting sought guidance on addressing the client’s needs while exploring how these efforts can also benefit the barangay’s senior population.

During discussions, officials emphasized the importance of early referral, inter-agency coordination, and community engagement for both PWDs and seniors. POSCA emphasized that the same community-based approach used for PWDs can be applied to support senior citizens, including those with disabilities. This includes linking seniors to available provincial programs and services tailored to their needs.

As part of the initiative, a PWD Help Desk is proposed for Brgy. Balintawak, which will also serve as a frontline resource for senior citizens seeking information and assistance.

POSCA and PPDAO reaffirm their commitment to working closely with barangay leaders to ensure accessible, inclusive services for all vulnerable residents.

03/02/2026

LOOK | POSCA Celebrates and Honors a Senior Citizen on Her birthday

In a heartwarming gesture of unity and appreciation, the staff of the Provincial Office of the Senior Citizen Affairs (POSCA) joined in celebrating the birthday of a mother; a senior citizen. The event highlighted the fellowship and family-oriented spirit that thrives within the POSCA team.

POSCA personnel came together to express their gratitude and best wishes, sharing tokens of appreciation and warm messages to make the celebrant feel valued and important. The celebration reflected not just a personal milestone but also the strong sense of community and support that POSCA fosters among its staff with senior citizen family members and the senior citizens, in general.

Through such simple yet meaningful acts, POSCA continues to promote a culture of respect, care, and togetherness within the workplace, reinforcing that every member and their families are valued as part of the larger Provincial OSCA family.

03/02/2026

✨ THIS FEBRUARY, WE CELEBRATE NATIONAL DOWN SYNDROME CONSCIOUSNESS MONTH! ✨

"Inclusivity is not only said. Acceptance is not only when others look. Advocacy is not only when it trends. Inclusivity, acceptance, and advocacy is shown the strongest even when the world is silent."

Here at the Provincial Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (POSCA), we hold these words close to our hearts as we shine a light on our amazing senior citizens with Down syndrome, they are precious members of our community, and they deserve all the love, respect, and care we can give.

We know that sometimes, people say or do things without thinking, words that make others feel left out, or actions that make them seem "different" in a bad way. But discrimination hurts. It makes our elderly brothers and sisters with Down syndrome feel unseen, unvalued, and alone and that’s never okay.

Every one of us has a role to play. We can start by simply saying hello, asking how they’re doing, or sharing a smile. We can make sure our homes, barangays, and public spaces are places where they feel welcome and safe. We can listen to them because they have stories to tell and dreams worth chasing, just like all of us.

Taking care of them means making sure they get the same opportunities to join community activities, access health services, and spend time with their loved ones. It means watching our words and actions, and standing up when we see others not doing the same, even when no one is looking.

Our seniors with Down syndrome make our community richer, warmer, and more beautiful. Let’s promise to accept them fully, protect them always, and show them that they are loved beyond measure 💙💛❤️

02/02/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐂𝐀 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐢𝐣𝐚𝐛 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲

The Provincial Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (POSCA) of Zamboanga del Sur proudly joins the celebration of National Hijab Awareness Day, recognizing and honoring our Muslim citizens, especially the elders who have guided and cared for their communities over the years.

This day highlights the traditions and culture of our Muslim community. It also shows appreciation for the wisdom, experience, and guidance of our elders, who help make our communities stronger, closer, and more united. By celebrating them, we honor their role in passing on values, teaching younger generations, and keeping our heritage alive.

The POSCA shows strong support for inclusivity and respect for all cultures, helping build a community where everyone’s identity, beliefs, and traditions are valued and celebrated.

30/01/2026

𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 | 𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐂𝐀 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐓 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐗 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕 - 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟗

January 29, 2026

The Provincial Office of the Senior Citizen Affairs (POSCA) recently took part in a planning survey conducted by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Region IX. The visit is part of DICT’s preparation for its strategic programs in the coming years, covering 2027 to 2029.

POSCA staff Princes Judy Ann Neri and Hipolito Caballero actively contributed during the visit, sharing information and insights to help guide the planning process. Leading the survey was Engr. Vermond Apostol from DICT IX, who coordinated with the provincial office to gather relevant data.

This collaboration demonstrates POSCA’s commitment to improving services for senior citizens, focusing on better digital access and more efficient delivery of programs throughout the province.

22/01/2026

𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐀𝐘 | P𝐎𝐒𝐂𝐀 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐙𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐨𝐒𝐮𝐫

The Provincial Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) highlights ongoing efforts to strengthen support for senior citizens and persons with disabilities in the province. In a recent discussion, Nemia Algar, representing the National Commission for Senior Citizens (NCSC) -Regional Office IX under the leadership of its Regional Director, Fernando Somondong, met with Officer in Charge of POSCA Miriam Acosta-Llanos to explore initiatives that promote accessibility and welfare for the elderly.

During the meeting, Algar requested the provision of a wheelchair for a senior citizen, emphasizing the importance of mobility and independence for older residents. Acosta-Llanos assured her full support, noting that the POSCA continues to implement programs and collaborate with partners to assist senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

The discussion also touched on preparations for the 2026 Search for the Most Elderly-Friendly Local Government Unit (LGU) which has its maiden search last year— an OSCA -funded innovative initiative; the first of its kind in the country!

Algar expressed gratitude for the warm cooperation and support from the POSCA, highlighting that partnerships like these are crucial to advancing the welfare of senior citizens at both provincial and local levels.

This engagement represents a meaningful step toward strengthening the network of support for senior citizens in Zamboanga del Sur. Both the POSCA and NCSC reaffirmed their commitment to open communication and joint advocacy as the province moves forward with initiatives such as the upcoming Search for the Most Elderly-Friendly LGU.

13/01/2026

𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐀𝐘 | 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐞𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧

The Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Sur continues to help senior citizens with disabilities by giving wheelchairs to two elderly residents of Labangan who are bedridden. This support will help them move more easily and improve their daily care.

The wheelchairs went to Luzviminda Cagatin, 66, and Victoria Cagatin, 70. Both have orthopedic disabilities that make it hard for them to move on their own. With the wheelchairs, they will be able to move better, have less physical strain, and live more comfortably. Their caregivers will also find it easier to help them.

Lea Rose Viadnes, Municipal PDAO Head of Labangan, officially received the wheelchairs on behalf of the two beneficiaries. This shows how the provincial government works closely with local offices to make sure that important assistive devices reach the senior citizens who need them most, especially those who stay at home or are bedridden.

Giving wheelchairs is part of the province’s ongoing efforts to help persons with disabilities, especially elderly people who have more challenges because of their age and health. By checking the needs carefully and working with local partners, the government can provide support that really fits the situation of each person.

POSCA Head Miriam Acosta-Llanos said this program shows the province’s care for the welfare and dignity of persons with disabilities. She added that giving mobility aids to senior citizens helps them move better and also makes it easier for their families to take care of them properly.

The Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Sur will keep improving programs for seniors and persons with disabilities by giving access to assistive devices, social support, and community services. These programs follow policies that promote accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all.