More abandoned senior citizens reunited with families during pandemic

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept 3 (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD 9) continue to assist and facilitate senior citizens to be reunited with their families.

Based from recent reports from January to August this year, the Home for the Elderly has facilitated 11 client’s reunification to their families and relatives through the help of the Local Social Welfare and Development Officers of the different Local Government Units. Places of return include areas as far as Luzon such as Pampanga, Pangasinan, Northern Samar and nearby areas in Mindanao like Isabela City, Basilan, Zamboanga Sibugay and some barangays under Zamboanga City.

Moreover, the home for the elderly center is serving 49 clients with ages ranging from 60 years old to 90 years old. 20 of these clients are males while the 29 others are females. DSWD 9 hopes that the elderly may soon be reunited with their families especially in this time of health crisis as the center prepares its residents for the eventual return and union with their families and foster families with the hope that the family dynamics will be strengthened during their late years in life.

Recently, there were public advisories for some senior citizens who have lost contact with their families like Lola Julie Marcelino Ebarte, 81 years old and originally from Zamboanga City. She wants to go home but she doesn’t know where her relatives are staying in the city. Unfortunately, she does not remember the names of her children. She stayed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for several years after having been brought to DSWD-Metro Manila where she is temporarily staying now.

If there are similar reports that need assistance for the senior citizens, DSWD will be open and ready to provide services. Furthermore, for senior citizens who are currently staying in the center, DSWD 9 Regional Information Officer Ivan Salvador assured that there are continuous services for their clients following the minimum health standards and they are provided with food and vitamins to boost their immune system. (EDT/MLE/PIA9-Zamboanga City)



Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)

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