P1M model senior citizens' center unveiled in Negros
Cauayan, Negros Occidental – A Model Senior Citizens' Center worth P1-million was recently inaugurated in Brgy. Poblacion here.
"Of the P1-million fund allocated by the former secretary for the construction of the center, we have a savings of P196,000. This will be utilized to buy other needed facilities," Cauayan Mayor Jerry Tabujara said even as he pledged to make the necessary improvements for the center's site.
The center sits in a 600-sq. meter government-owned lot in Brgy. Poblacion. It has three rooms with a dining and kitchen area. Reading materials are also available. Adjacent to the center is the Community Rehabilitation Center.
DSWD-6 OIC Regional Director Teresita S. Rosales said the senior citizens' center was the government's response to address the dynamic needs of the elderly, whom she described as the "uniting factor in the family."
"There are unreported cases of children who are not responsive to the dynamics of the elderly. Basically, at their age, they want to relax and enjoy the company of their peers or hold dancing and singing activities. This Senior Citizens' Center will serve as venue for such activities," she said.
Moreover, Rosales said the center could also serve as meeting place or an information and knowledge center of senior citizens.
"Junior (aged 60-70 years old) and senior (71 years old and above) citizens, especially retired teachers could still volunteer to teach Day Care pre-schoolers. They can hold story-telling sessions or even volunteer to give counseling sessions on youths who have gone astray," Rosales said.
Senior citizens in the 19 municipalities and 13 cities in Negros Occidental have bonded themselves under the Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines (FSCAP). Norval C. Abrasia, Regional FSCAP President, said there are about 10,000 federation members in the province.
Present during the inauguration were Primo D. Aloro, FSCAP President-Cauayan Chapter; Michael Besonaya, outgoing FSCAP President; Rodolfo Garaygay, FSCAP President-Kabankalan Chapter; SB Member Romulo M. Mombay; Liane P. Garcia, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer-Negros Occidental; Leonida S. Guido, Cauayan Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer; and members of the Cauayan I and II Teacher Retirees Association (CITRA).
(DSWD/Alma Jornadal)