Seniors form walkers club in Subic Freeport

Health-conscious senior citizens in this free port have formed a walkers club here in cooperation with a popular commercial facility, which has agreed to accommodate the daily exercise activities of the newly-formed group.

The “Subic Bay Six o’clock Habit Club,” which was organized by Atty. Severo M. Pastor, manager of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) labor department, has requested the use of the promenade area of Ayala Mall’s Harbor Point here.

Harbor Point operations manager Derrick Q. Manuel said that while the agreement is being finalized with top management, walkers may already use open alleys inside the mall except for those that are still restricted due to shop construction work.

Manuel added that while only the Coffee Bean shop opens at 6 am, Starbucks coffee shop had confirmed that they would start receiving customers at 7 am also to accommodate the walkers.

Pastor, who has been walking with friends as his early morning ritual, said the Harbor Point facility is perfect for senior citizens.

“Senior citizens can walk around at Harbor Point’s covered areas freely and safely even when it rains,” Pastor said. “In fact, because Harbor Point has large open spaces, we can also bring the whole family with us so that we can do some exercises while the shops are still closed.”

Pastor said the focus of the Six o’clock Habit Club is to promote health and wellness among senior citizens. “It’s a well-known fact that walking can add more years to life, so I’m sure that walking and interacting with other people would be a big help to senior citizens like me,” he added.

Aside from requesting Harbor Point for walking space, Pastor said that his group has also requested appropriate areas at the ground floor for tai-chi or calisthenics.

And, as some doctors and other medical practitioners are expected to join the club, Pastor said that he would also ask them to provide free medical services to the senior citizens, like blood pressure or blood sugar checks.

The group has initially agreed upon a three-day-a-week schedule — Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and more frequently thereafter until walking becomes a daily habit.

He added that residents, businessmen and workers from the Freeport and Olongapo areas are welcome to join the club.

Among those who expressed intention to join the club are acting SBMA senior deputy administrator for business and investment Atty. Ruel John T. Kabigting, and managers of other SBMA departments. (ILC/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Members of the newly-formed “Subic Bay Six o’clock Habit Club,” led by SBMA labor manager Severo Pastor (3rd from left), kick off an early morning walk at the Harbor Point promenade area in the Subic Bay Freeport.