EDITORIAL: Elderly Care

THE plight of abandoned and abused senior citizens in the Philippines is a tragic reality that requires urgent attention. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian’s recent call for the establishment of local government unit (LGU)-managed homes for the elderly is a timely and commendable response to a growing issue that strikes at the heart of our societal values.

The senator’s advocacy for the creation of these homes, exemplified by Valenzuela City’s Bahay Kanlungan, demonstrates a feasible model for other LGUs to emulate. With cases of neglected senior citizens rising, the need for safe havens where they can live with dignity is undeniable.

Gatchalian’s Senate Bill No. 950, or the Homes for Abandoned Seniors Act, envisions nursing homes to be operated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in coordination with LGUs, addressing a gap in our social safety net.

This initiative is more than just a matter of providing shelter. It is about safeguarding the fundamental rights of our senior citizens. Many of these individuals, after a lifetime of contributions to society, find themselves cast aside by their families or abused by those who should be their protectors.

A case study by the University of the Philippines-NCPAG reveals the harrowing fact that children, spouses, and even grandchildren are often the perpetrators of such abuse.

It is heart-breaking to learn that many victims of elder abuse choose to suffer in silence, enduring neglect and exploitation with no recourse to justice.

Senate Bill No. 816, which seeks to criminalize abuse against senior citizens, is a critical complement to this effort. It sends a clear message: abuse and neglect of the elderly will not be tolerated. Passing the bill, alongside the Homes for Abandoned Seniors Act, will lay the foundation for a society that values and protects its elderly.

The challenge now lies in mobilizing resources and political will. LGUs must be empowered to build and manage these nursing homes, and adequate funding must be allocated to ensure their sustainability.

Moreover, public awareness campaigns should be launched to address the cultural and familial dynamics that lead to elder neglect and abuse.

As a society, we owe our senior citizens more than just care and shelter. We owe them our respect, gratitude, and protection. By championing these legislative measures, Senator Gatchalian has provided a roadmap for how we can better uphold these obligations.

It is now up to Congress, LGUs, and every Filipino to ensure that these initiatives become a reality.

Let us not allow our elderly to languish in neglect or suffer in silence. Instead, let us act decisively to ensure that they live their twilight years in dignity, comfort, and peace.