𝐏𝐁 𝐎𝐊𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐬
Seeking to bring essential services closer to the province’s growing elderly population, the Cebu Provincial Board approved an ordinance establishing community care centers for senior citizens in every local government unit (LGU).
Passed on third and final reading on Monday, Feb. 16, the measure institutionalizes the Senior Citizens Community Care Center in all municipalities and component cities in the province.
Authored by Board Member Julius Anthony G. Corominas, the ordinance mandates LGUs to set up and operate centers that will serve as a one-stop shop for elderly care.
The goal, according to the measure, is to strengthen community-based support systems that are accessible, inclusive and holistic at the local level.
Services
Under the new ordinance, the centers will offer a range of services, from wellness programs and palliative care to caregiver respite, as well as livelihood and economic oppurtunities.
Other services include socialization activities, disaster preparedness sessions and data banking for senior citizens.
Local governments are required to designate qualified personnel to run the facilities and may tap private volunteers and partner organizations to improve service delivery.
Access to the centers and their programs will be limited to senior citizens validated by their respective Offices for Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA).
Funding source
To fund the initiative, LGUs are directed to allocate an annual budget for the construction, operation and maintenance of the centers.
The provincial government may also provide supplementary funding, technical assistance and training support.
The National Commission on Senior Citizens Region VII, together with the Provincial Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs and local OSCAs, will jointly monitor and evaluate the program to ensure it remains responsive to the needs of the elderly.
The ordinance is seen as a significant step in advancing the welfare of Cebuano senior citizens. | 𝑪𝒂𝒑𝒊𝒕𝒐𝒍 𝑷𝑰𝑶
Check this also: Cebu Capitol Revives Children’s Congress, Strengthens Child Protection and Online Safety
