Surigao Sur’s town launches Caraga’s 1st community care center for elderly
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
CARMEN, Surigao del Sur (PIA) —The local government unit of Carmen in Surigao del Sur recently launched the Senior Citizen Community Care Center (SC3C), being the first in the province and in Caraga region.
The establishment of the SC3C directly supported President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ‘s 8-point socioeconomic agenda, especially in advancing health care, social protection, and community-driven development for vulnerable sectors. This is designed to safeguard the dignity, welfare, and well-being of the town’s senior citizens.
Carmen Mayor Nestor S. Valeroso, alongside local officials and national partners, led the ceremonial turnover of the SC3C.
“More than just a physical structure, the center symbolizes the community’s deep gratitude and renewed commitment to those who have helped build and nurture its foundation,” Mayor Valeroso said. “This is our way of honoring our senior citizens by providing them with a safe and welcoming space with dedicated services and support that they truly need.”
Representing the elderly population, Carmen Francia Lazo of the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) expressed heartfelt gratitude for the realization of the project.
“We are thankful to know that we are the first beneficiaries of the SC3C program in Caraga. We are hoping for the unwavering support of the LGU and partner stakeholders so the senior citizens of the town will fully benefit from the SC3C,” Lazo said. “This means so much to us, knowing that we are valued.”
Meanwhile, a multi-agency service caravan also took place during the turnover, a coordinated effort led by the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) and the LGU of Carmen, bringing essential services directly to senior citizens and their families.
The caravan featured free medical check-up, wellness and mental health consultations, document processing, legal assistance, and information drives on elderly rights and benefits. The event also showcased programs on livelihood, social protection, and emergency preparedness to address the specific needs of the aging population.
This dynamic convergence of services reflected the essence of the SC3C’s mission, to serve not just as a shelter, but as a hub of care, empowerment, and access for senior citizens in the community.
As a trailblazer in elderly care and social protection, the SC3C supports the Bagong Pilipinas vision of a just and caring society where no one, especially the elderly, is left behind. (NGPB, PIA-Surigao del Sur)
