Haven for elders gets boost from Tanay gov’t

MANILA, Philippines—Abandoned senior citizens staying at Haven for the Elderly, a care facility run by the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Tanay, Rizal province, will soon enjoy additional services courtesy of the local government and a volunteer group.

The DSWD, World Experience Philippines (WEP) and the municipal government of Tanay recently signed two agreements to expand the provision of social services to the elderly sheltered by Haven.

DSWD Region IV-A Director Leticia Diokno signed the agreements together with Tanay Mayor Rafael Tanjuatco and WEP founding director Juliet Kwee, with Haven chief Ricky Bunao as witness.

The center currently looks after 213 individuals, providing them with dietary and health services while also attending to their psychological, socio-cultural and spiritual needs.

Under the agreements, the local government will allocate a yearly budget of P300,000 for the laboratory and burial expenses of the elders, provide medical and dental services, and also help improve the center’s amenities.

The signing highlighted the weeklong celebration of the Haven’s fourth founding anniversary.

Diokno thanked Tanjuatco for his untiring support and also commended WEP volunteers “for unselfishly sharing their time, knowledge and resources with the residents.” Cynthia D. Balana