One-Stop-Shop Senior Citizen Center in Bacolod Lauded

The National Commission of Senior Citizens-Western Visayas (NCSC-6) has lauded the initiative of the city government in establishing a one-stop-shop Senior Citizen Center just behind the Bacolod City Government Center.

NCSC-6 Regional Director Ann Rapunzel Ganzon told the Philippine News Agency that the facility is a “beautiful” structure, which represents a sanctuary of dignity, care, and respect for the city’s elderly population.

“We commend Mayor Greg Gasataya and the entire city leadership for their commitment and foresight in allocating funds for the establishment of the senior citizens building,” she added.

Ganzon said that during her earlier visit to Bacolod, Gasataya presented to her the design of the city’s Senior Citizen Center, and the NCSC-6 staff in Negros Occidental witnessed the unveiling on Monday.

“May this endeavor stand as a lasting testament to Bacolod City’s dedication to honoring and uplifting the welfare of its elderly population,” she said.

The Senior Citizen Center in Bacolod offers free services such as medical checkup and consultations, glasses and eye checkups, pharmacy medicines, and dental services.

Also available are the processing of senior citizen identification cards, social pension, and ladderized centenarian benefits, as well as opportunities for livelihood training.

Ganzon underscored the vital role of the local government units (LGUs) in the implementation of laws for the welfare of senior citizens and in providing comprehensive care and support to older persons.

“We are banking on Republic Act 7876, which is under the Department of Social Welfare and Development. It mandates that every LGU should have its own senior citizens center,” she pointed out.

Ganzon said that out of the 153 LGUs covered by the NCSC-6, only around 70 have their own senior citizens center, while several others also have not yet established an office for senior citizens affairs.

“I talk to the local chief executives, and I lobby for the seniors. You really have to connect and build relationships and strengthen partnerships with the LGUs. You also have to encourage their legislative bodies to come up with policies that will strengthen and sustain the programs for senior citizens,” she added.

In Iloilo, the Senior Citizen Community Care Center in Cabatuan town was the first to be launched in Western Visayas in September 2024.* (Nanette Guadalquiver)