Capiz Provincial Government Endorses National Elderly Care Initiative
Pampanga First District Representative Carmelo "Pogi" Lazatin Jr. has extended his appreciation to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Capiz for their recent legislative action. The provincial board unanimously passed Resolution No. 199, Series of 2025, during their 12th Regular Session on December 2, 2025, formally expressing their strong support for House Bill No. 2422.
Legislative Momentum for Vulnerable Seniors
This significant resolution urges national lawmakers to prioritize the passage of HB 2422, titled "An Act Establishing The Bale Pusu Home For The Elderly In All Cities And Municipalities." Furthermore, it calls upon all local government units within Capiz province to actively participate in establishing and operating these specialized facilities within their respective jurisdictions.
Representative Lazatin originally filed this groundbreaking legislation on July 29, 2025. The bill mandates the creation of at least one Bale Pusu home in every city and municipality across the Philippines, specifically designed to serve elderly individuals who have been abandoned, left homeless, or lack family support systems.
Proven Model from Angeles City
The proposed national program draws inspiration from a successful pilot project initiated during Lazatin's tenure as mayor of Angeles City. On September 15, 2021, the first Bale Pusu Home for Abandoned Female Elderly was established in Sta. Teresita, Angeles City, creating a tangible model for compassionate eldercare.
Under the comprehensive provisions of HB 2422, several key structural elements would be implemented:
- A dedicated Special Committee on Bale Pusu Home for the Elderly would be formed to oversee operations
- Each facility would maintain sufficient trained staff to provide quality services to senior residents
- All centers would feature appropriate rooms, spaces, and facilities specifically designed for eldercare needs
- Basic health services and recreational facilities would be standard in every location
- Reliable access to essential utilities like electricity and water would be guaranteed
- A centralized database would track and monitor elderly wards across all facilities
Ongoing Commitment to Senior Welfare
Representative Lazatin emphasized his longstanding dedication to elderly welfare programs, which includes providing free vitamins, essential medicines, and vaccinations for senior citizens throughout his district. Demonstrating this commitment through direct action, during the first week of January 2026, Lazatin personally visited multiple barangays across Pampanga's First District to distribute these vital resources along with financial assistance to elderly constituents.
The Capiz resolution represents growing regional support for a national framework that addresses the pressing needs of vulnerable senior citizens throughout the Philippines, building upon proven local models of compassionate care.
