Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Thursday (July 9) called for the establishment of dedicated care, co-working spaces, and wellness hubs for senior citizens in every city and municipality in the country.

Cayetano filed the Center for the Elderly in All Cities and Municipalities Act (Senate Bill No. 107) aims to institutionalize a nationwide network of age-friendly Centers for the Elderly that will serve as safe spaces for seniors.
These centers will provide access to healthcare, wellness services, recreational activities, and social protection programs.

"Our senior citizens deserve more, and it is the duty of the State to prioritize them and ensure that our programs and services truly respond to their needs and protect their right to live safely and comfortably," the senator said.

Cayetano's proposal highlights a whole-of-community approach that includes local government units (LGUs), civil society, the private sector, and families in ensuring the well-being and empowerment of the elderly.

According to the Commission on Population and Development (CPD), the country's demographic can be considered an "aging population" by 2030. An increase in the aging population would mean a corresponding increase in the demand for care of this sector, particularly health care services.

Although there is an existing law from 1995 mandating the establishment of senior citizen centers in every city and municipality, Cayetano emphasized the need to update and reinforce the law to address the evolving needs of the elderly.

To date, there are only 76 residential care centers nationwide, and these are not exclusive to older persons but also cater to children in need of special protection.

Under the bill, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will lead the establishment of at least one Local Center for the Elderly in every city and town, in coordination with LGUs.

The measure also grants full tax and tariff exemptions for equipment and supplies imported specifically for these centers.

To further expand reach, LGUs and private organizations will be allowed to establish additional or satellite centers based on the unique needs of their senior population.

Cayetano pointed to the City of Taguig as a successful model. In 2019, Taguig launched a five-story, disabled-friendly Center for the Elderly that provides care and support for seniors with low-risk or less serious conditions

Through this bill, the senator hopes to bring the same level of care offered in Taguig to the rest of the country and improve the overall quality of life for senior citizens.

"We are doing this because napakalaki ng contribution ng mga senior citizen sa ating lipunan. We are honoring them [through this measure] because they have done so much," Cayetano said.