Solon wants centers for abandoned elderly

MANILA, Philippines - A lawmaker representing the senior citizens filed a bill seeking to create centers in each province for the abandoned and neglected elderly.

“They are left on their own to fend for themselves, sometimes they roam the streets to beg for food or worse, because they could not afford permanent housing, live on the streets,” Rep. Godofredo Arquiza said after filing House Bill 6683.

He said the elderly depend on their children for support but some of them end up being abandoned because of poverty.

The proposed centers will provide the homeless and neglected elderly with comfortable living quarters, along with food and clothing. It will also provide health care and opportunities to those who are still fit for work.

“A senior citizen is considered homeless if he lacks a fixed, regular residence or whose residence is a place not designed for human habitation or lacks the resources or support networks to obtain a permanent housing,” Arquiza said.

The centers will be operated and maintained by the Department of Social Welfare and Development in coordination with local government units.