In a significant move to bolster support for the elderly, the Provincial Board of Cebu has unanimously approved an ordinance mandating the establishment of dedicated community care centers for senior citizens across all towns and component cities in the province. This initiative, spearheaded by Board Member Julius Anthony Corominas, aims to provide comprehensive health, wellness, and social services to the aging population, aligning with national laws such as Republic Act 7876 and Republic Act 9994.
Comprehensive Services for Enhanced Well-being
Under the newly enacted Cebu Provincial SC3C Ordinance, each center is required to offer a wide array of services designed to address the diverse needs of senior citizens. These include wellness programs focusing on visual, dental, auditory, psychosocial, spiritual, and mental health concerns. Additionally, the centers will provide lifestyle coaching, nutrition planning, and exercise programs to promote overall fitness and vitality.
Beyond health services, the facilities will offer palliative care, caregiver respite services, livelihood training, and economic opportunities to empower seniors financially. Socialization activities will be organized to combat isolation, while disaster preparedness training tailored for the elderly will ensure their safety during emergencies. The centers will also conduct research and data collection to inform policy improvements and maintain a secure database system for efficient service delivery.
Funding and Operational Framework
To ensure the successful implementation of this ordinance, each local government unit (LGU) is mandated to allocate annual funds for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the centers. The Provincial Government of Cebu may supplement these efforts with additional funding, technical assistance, and training support. LGUs are also required to designate qualified employees to manage the centers, with the option to engage private volunteers skilled in medical, educational, and related fields.
Eligibility and Benefits for Senior Citizens
Qualified senior citizens aged 60 and above, as verified by their local Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (Osca), will be eligible to avail themselves of these services. Those with contagious diseases or specialized care needs may be referred to appropriate government agencies for medical attention. The ordinance further grants the centers exemptions from customs duties, taxes, and tariffs on imported equipment and supplies, along with at least a 50 percent discount on utilities like electricity, water, and telephone services, in compliance with existing laws.
Monitoring and Oversight
Monitoring and evaluation of the centers will be conducted by the National Commission on Senior Citizens Region VII, through the Provincial Osca or respective city and town Osca offices. Annual performance reports must be submitted to the Office of the Provincial Governor and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan via the Committee on Senior Citizens. The ordinance is co-authored by 2nd District Board Members Lakambini Reluya, 7th District Cesar Baricuatro, and 3rd District Dason Lorenz Lagon, ensuring broad-based support for this transformative initiative.
