In celebration of the Elderly Filipino week, the need for all Local Government Units to have at least 1  Senior Citizens Center was recently advocated by DSWD Regional Director Marcelo Nicomedes J. Castillo .

 Aside from pushing for the compliance of  business establishments on  giving  necessary discounts to senior citizens, the establishment of a Senior Citizens Center in all cities and municipalities is also among the key activities in supporting the causes of the senior citizens.

 It can be noted that Senior Citizens Center play a major role in sustaining the social drive of senior citizens  towards self fulfilment and  nation building.

 As stipulated in Republic Act 7876, the Senior Citizen’s Center is  established for the purposes of promoting recreational, educational, health and social programs designed for the full enjoyment and benefit of the senior citizens.

 Also, it was mentioned that through these centers, trainings, opportunities, and other self help projects  shall also be initiated and implemented by the senior citizens  in coordination with their Local Social Welfare and Development Offices and/or with DSWD.

 The establishment of these centers in every city and municipality  is under direct supervision of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and in collaboration with the local government unit concerned. (Iryn D. Cubangbang, Information Officer II)