As a highlight to the 5th Anniversary Celebration of the Haven for the Elderly, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) held a day-long activity last April 29, 2015 at the center’s compound in Brgy Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal.
The activity was highlighted with the recognition to the staff’s and partners’ who had continuously supported the programs and services of the Center which is, incidentally considered as among the Center of Excellence of the Department.
DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman led the celebration and acknowledged the staff’s continuous endeavors in providing quality services to the elderly residents of the center.
“Bawat isa sa ating mga lolo’t lola na nandito ay may naging bahagi sa lipunan. Marapat lamang na tayo naman ang maglingkod sa kanila ngayon sa isang matapat, mahusay, at magiliw na paraan,” Secretary Soliman said in her message.
Also present during the celebration were representatives of non-government organizations, private institutions, academes, the Municipal Government of Tanay, and other partner donors of the center.
“Ang lahat ng ito ay hindi po kaya ng pamahalaan lamang. Nagpapasalamat po kami sa pakikipag-kapit bisig ninyo sa amin para sa ikabubuti ng ating mga lolo’t lola,” Secretary Soliman said.
To date, the Haven for the Elderly, which is a DSWD-managed facility that provides residential care to abandoned and neglected older persons ages 60 years old and above, has a total of 259 residents. Aside from residential care, the Center also provides with services that includes medical, psychological, recreational and skills / livelihood related services. These services are all geared towards ensuring that the said elderly residents remain happy and productive despite being in the twilight of their lives and their respective situations.
Ricky Bunao, the Haven for the Elderly center manager expressed optimism that their services for their residents will further improve with the help of their partners and the commitment of the staff.
“Naniniwala kami na kapag masaya sila lolo’t lola, mas hahaba pa ang buhay nila,” Bunao said.***