TACLOBAN CITY — The municipal government of Catarman in Northern Samar is scaling up its programs for senior citizens following the positive outcomes of its pioneering elderly care facility and the upcoming launch of mobile health services aimed at reaching more vulnerable residents.
At the center of the initiative is the Pagkalinga Center for Senior Citizens in Barangay Polangi, described as the first of its kind in the Philippines. The facility, which began operations in May 2025, is managed by the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office and the Municipal Health Office and caters to elderly individuals showing early signs of dementia.
Through structured activities such as cognitive exercises, health monitoring, therapy sessions, and social interaction, the center has reported notable improvements among its clients. Based on Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) assessments, 14 seniors previously identified with mild symptoms were found to have returned to normal cognitive status after seven months of regular intervention.
Program coordinators said the results surpassed initial expectations, as the project was originally designed only to slow the progression of dementia rather than reverse symptoms.
Building on this success, the local government is preparing to roll out Mobile Care Services to extend support to more senior citizens, including bedridden individuals, persons with disabilities, and elderly residents living alone. The program has initially identified 45 beneficiaries from eight barangays.
Under the scheme, trained care workers will conduct home visits twice a week to provide basic health services, companionship, and respite support for family caregivers.
Mayor Dianne Rosales expressed appreciation for the caregivers and emphasized the importance of compassionate service delivery as the municipality continues to strengthen its social welfare programs for the elderly.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
