Senior citizens in Davao de Oro are set to receive a significant boost in care and support with the establishment of a new Home for the Aged in Barangay Pasian, Monkayo. The provincial government is moving forward with plans to construct a dedicated residential facility, offering a safe and nurturing environment for the elderly.
Governor Inspects Ideal Site for Senior Care
On Thursday, November 27, 2025, Davao de Oro Governor Raul Mabanglo personally inspected the chosen location for the facility at Lamdag Farm in Pasian. The governor emphasized the site's peaceful and natural surroundings as a key factor in its selection, ideal for the well-being of future residents.
"This project is a priority because we want to give importance to our senior citizens," Governor Mabanglo stated. He explained that the facility will be built at Lamdag Farm precisely because it is surrounded by nature, creating a tranquil atmosphere.
The site assessment was a collaborative effort, with personnel from both the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Davao Region (DSWD-Davao) joining the inspection. Their involvement is crucial to ensure the planned elderly care facility meets all required welfare and operational standards.
A Vision for Dignified Living and Comprehensive Support
The proposed Home for the Aged is envisioned as a sanctuary for elderly individuals who may lack family support or require professional assistance. Once operational, the provincial government will manage the center, implementing programs focused on several key areas:
- Healthcare and daily assistance
- Emotional and psychosocial well-being
- Community engagement and recreational activities
Construction is targeted to begin as soon as possible, with the provincial government highlighting the growing urgency for such services. This project is a core part of Davao de Oro's broader initiative to strengthen social protection and ensure dignified living conditions for its most vulnerable citizens.
The goal is to create more than just a shelter; the provincial government hopes the facility will become a true community where senior citizens can live comfortably, peacefully, and with the utmost respect.
Addressing a Critical Need in the Davao Region
The establishment of this new Home for the Aged in Monkayo addresses a significant gap in social services. Currently, the Davao Region has a limited number of government-run residential care facilities for older persons.
According to a 2025 report from DSWD-Davao, the region manages several Centers and Residential Care Facilities, including one Home for the Aged in Tagum City. Another example is the LGU-run Co Su Gian Home for the Aged in Davao City.
Due to this scarcity, many elderly residents in need of full-time care have no access to a suitable facility. The new center in Pasian is a direct response to this unmet need, aiming to provide integrated services that go beyond basic shelter. These services are designed to include health care, nutritional support, psychosocial care, and rehabilitation, all grounded in national laws like the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003 (Republic Act 9257).
This law mandates the government and local units to provide residential care for elderly individuals who are abandoned, neglected, or unable to care for themselves, making the Monkayo project both a social welfare obligation and a fulfillment of the rights of senior citizens.
