In recognition of the life and legacy of former Council Member and Office of Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA) Head Dr. Pablo Marcelo, all Philippine flags in Valenzuela City are to be flown at half-mast today, January 11, 2021. Dr. Marcelo joined the Creator on January 9 at 86 years old.

Dr. Marcelo served the City as a Councilor of District II from 1995 to 2004 while concurrently functioning as Chairman of the OSCA. Upon finishing three terms as Councilor, he was appointed as OSCA Head, a position he held until May 2017.

A dentist by profession, the late Dr. Marcelo spent his first few years in private practice until he was called to be the Municipality Dentist of Valenzuela. He served as a “Dentista ng Bayan” for more than 10 years. Later on, he joined the Philippine Constabulary (PC), where he continued his dental practice. His service with PC lasted until the declaration of Martial Law in 1972.

His foray into politics began when he was elected as barangay captain of Barangay Maysan in 1982. Under his leadership, he was able to build a school in Sitio Malabo in partnership with the Wellex Group of Companies. His street lighting project, in cooperation with the government, was able to illuminate the whole barangay.

As a member of the City Council, among the most notable ordinances authored by Dr. Marcelo were the putting of "Timbangang Bayan" in all private and public markets in the city, the setting up of rules and regulations for the application of franchise to operate motorized tricycles for hire, and the creation of new positions in the City Health and City Agriculture Offices. He also co-authored the amendment of certain sections of The Market Code of Valenzuela.

During his term as councilor and OSCA Chairman, he authored an ordinance requiring all punong barangays of the City to designate an officer-in-charge to act as facilitator of the Barangay Senior Citizen Affairs, who will serve the needs of the senior citizens in their respective communities.

In 2003, he also penned an ordinance granting an additional honorarium to the vice-chairman and 10 coordinators designated at the City’s OSCA.

As OSCA Head, he drew up, executed, and implemented policies and programs to address the issues and needs of the City’s aged elders. Among OSCA’s projects during Dr. Marcelo’s 13-year-term were the “libreng salamin”, “libreng pustiso”, and “lakbay pasyal” for the City’s elderly.

He also recommended the allocation of funds and managed its disbursement, and made sure that establishments complied with the provisions of the Act granting discount privileges and benefits to senior citizens.

Dr. Marcelo will be laid to final rest on January 13, Wednesday, 3 p.m. at the Tierra Santa Memorial Park in Barangay Maysan.