Cebu City officials back proposal to create facility for senior citizens

Local

CEBU City officials are rallying behind a new initiative to establish a dedicated center for senior citizens, focusing on recreation, education, health, and social services.

Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia put forward the South Road Properties (SRP) as a promising location for this facility.

Emphasizing the need for open spaces, Garcia highlighted the potential of the 300-hectare SRP, suggesting that setting aside 90 hectares for parks and playgrounds could enhance the quality of life for the city’s elderly population.

The proposal came from Councilor Pastor Alcover, who chairs the council’s committee on senior citizens' affairs.

He drew inspiration from successful centers in Moalboal and Tagum City, advocating for a similar approach in the City

Alcover emphasized that establishing this center is essential for the city to be considered “senior-citizen-friendly.”

However, Garcia noted a challenge that the project currently lacks funding in the city’s 2025 annual budget, as the council only recently submitted the proposal on October 16.

In her support for the initiative, Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera remarked on the necessity of improving facilities for senior citizens, mentioning that other cities have already made strides in this area. She recalled that a dedicated senior center once existed on Kawit Island, but it was demolished years ago.

Pesquera committed to reviewing the annual investment plan to determine if the new center could be included.

Additionally, Councilor Rey Gealon echoed Alcover’s vision, urging the mayor’s office to explore the possibility of establishing a hospital specifically designed for seniors.

Meanwhile, Councilor Mary Ann de Los Santos expressed her intent to revisit her previous legislative efforts, referencing City Ordinance 2400. Enacted in September 2014, this ordinance mandates that all healthcare facilities in the city provide services tailored to the elderly.(MyTVCebu)