THE Cebu provincial government is considering the establishment of a home for the aged in Cebu province.
At present, the province only runs a home for children in conflict with the law (CICL) in Consolacion town. It is building a shelter in Sitio Sudlon, Barangay Lahug, Cebu City for women and children who are victims of abuse and violence.
There are no government-run institutions for abandoned elderly in Central Visayas region.
Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III said such a facility is “worth considering” while Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale said such a project will get priority if she and Davide were reelected.
Cebu Daily News recently reported about the plight of abandoned senior citizens who have sought shelter and care in old age homes run by religious organizations and private entities.
Magpale, who chairs the committee on women and children as well as the committee on tourism and foreign affairs, said she planned to tie up with the committee on senior citizens and persons with disabilities to realize the project.
Provincial Board (PB) Member Raul Alcoseba, who chairs the committee on senior citizens, said the Cebu Provincial Senior Citizens’ Council was established in 2013 primarily to address the concerns of the elderly. The council initially set aside P5 million for its operations.
Alcoseba said they were also looking at granting annual allowances to seniors in the province, similar to what the Cebu City government has been doing, but a survey would have to be made before they could decide on the amount. /Reporter Victor Anthony V. Silva