TACLOBAN CITY – Senior citizens in Dolores, Eastern Samar now have a dedicated place to gather, exercise, and socialize as the municipal government and the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) formally opened the first community care facility for the elderly in the province.
The newly inaugurated Senior Citizen Community Care Center aims to support older residents, especially those who live alone or are left by their families during the day. It is equipped with exercise equipment, board games, and recreational tools designed to promote both physical and mental well-being.
OSCA president Virgilio Ayad expressed gratitude to the local government for prioritizing the needs of senior citizens, saying the facility will help them stay active and socially engaged.
“Nagpapasalamat kami kay Mayor kay gintagan niya kami hin atensyon. Kun puro la kam paglingkod, magkakaada hin dementia o problema. Dapat maglihok kamo, makig-upod ha iba, mag-exercise,” Ayad said.
“Daku an akon pasasalamat nga natuman an amon damgo nga magkaada hin sugad nga sentro para ha mga senior.”
The initiative was conceptualized by Mayor Zaldy Carpero, who was inspired by senior care models he observed in other countries.
As of August 2, 2025, Dolores has 4,502 senior citizens across its 46 barangays, based on OSCA records.
Mayor Carpero has directed the Sangguniang Bayan to include funding for the center’s operations in the municipal budget to ensure its sustainability.
Ayad also encouraged other local governments in Eastern Samar to establish similar centers for their elderly residents.
Beyond providing a place for recreation and companionship, OSCA is also appealing to the local government to fund livelihood and skills training programs for senior citizens to help them remain productive and self-sufficient.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
