CEBU, Philippines - The elderly in Naga City now have a building they can call their own.
The new building sits at the back of city hall and the newly-finished Enan Chiong Activity Center at barangay East Poblacion.
Naga City Mayor Valdemar Chiong said the senior citizens’ building cost P802,000 to construct.
Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia was instrumental in the realization of the project.
Vice President Jejomar Binay gave P500,000 through his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) for the perimeter fencing and outdoor landscaping.
Chiong believes it is the duty and responsibility of the city government to ensure that the elderly citizens are extended benefits and services they deserve under the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 or Republic Act (RA) 9994.
“We’ve come up with this project because it is heartbreaking to note that some of them are still suffering from indigence wherein they deserve instead full government support during their twilight years,” he said.
Chiong reminded officials of the local senior citizens group to take care of the new building like their own home.
He authorized them to manage the spacious parking space of the building by collecting fees as part of their income-generating activity. – (FREEMAN)