Lapu-Lapu building center for seniors

CEBU, Philippines — Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard "Ahong" Chan recently met with the Lapu-Lapu City Senior Citizens Federation Inc. to launch PVC IDs for the city's 30 barangays. During the event, Chan showcased an audiovisual presentation highlighting the local government's upcoming plans and projects, including the construction of a new Senior Citizens Community Care Center.

According to the city s Public Information Office, this center will be built at the existing Senior Citizens Park near the First Cebu-Mactan Bridge in Barangay Pajo, providing significant benefits to the senior citizens in the area.

In February, Chan, along with Lapu-Lapu City Lone District Representative Cindi King-Chan, National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) Commissioner Dr. Mary Jean Loreche, the DPWH 6th District Engineering Office, and other government agencies, convened to discuss the construction of the center.

Meanwhile, in Mandaue City, senior citizens and other informal sector workers in Barangay Tipolo have become the latest beneficiaries of the Department of Labor and Employment-7's financial assistance program. The department released over P840,000 to support the General Merchandise project of the Tipolo Residences Informal Workers Association.

Tri-City Field Office (TCFO) Chief Marites G. Mercado stated that the funds will be used to purchase necessary materials, jigs, and equipment for the project. Once fully operational, the beneficiaries hope to increase their income by P500 per member per quarter.

The association has established a project management team to oversee the marketing and financial aspects of the project.

We saw the potential of the identified project of the beneficiaries especially that the service (selling prime commodities) it offers can also be availed of by its own members. So, the market is really there. We just hope that they will be able to nurture what they received from government through the DOLE," said DOLE-7 Regional Director Lilia A. Esillore in a statement.

She praised the inclusion of senior citizens in the project, highlighting how it enables them to remain productive and active contributors despite their age.

She added that once the canvassing and procurement of materials are completed, the project is expected to be fully operational by the end of the month.

The livelihood assistance provided to the Tipolo Residences Informal Workers Association is part of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP).

All beneficiaries are covered by a group personal accident insurance (GPAI) through the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) for one year. -  LPM (CEBU NEWS)