The Local Government Unit of Borongan participated in the recent National Convention and Orientation of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (AFCC) held at Bai Hotel, Mandaue City, last July 21. The event was primarily aimed at introducing the concept, sharing the initiatives of local government units, and identifying salient features that should be in the implementing guidelines for Philippine AFCC.
Hailed as one of the eight ( model cities and communities in championing AFCC by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), Borongan presented in the said event its institutionalized social services such as the Monthly Monetary Allowance, Dukwag Agrikultura, Libre Medisina, and other domains related to the LGU’s programs that nurture senior citizens.
Among the selected model LGUs are Borongan City, Eastern Samar; Camarines Norte Province, Culion, Palawan; Island Garden City of Samal; Maguindanao Del Sur; Parañaque City; Sabtang, Batanes; and Santa Catalina, Ilocos Sur.
In his message, NCSC Chairman Atty. Franklin Quijano reminded the attendees to always include senior citizens in every program and project implemented in their respective LGUs. He similarly highlighted inputs during the orientation that can be adopted for future guidelines to be set for AFCC.
Mrs. Verina P. Amoyo, head of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), was pleased when several LGUs applauded the homegrown social service initiatives of LGU-Borongan. She also mentioned some note-worthy practices that can be done locally. Mrs. Amoyo was joined by Engr. Fatima Catudio and Special Operations Officer Cynthia Arceño as representatives of the city.
On August 8-9, the WHO and NCSC will visit the city to further document and interview some key officials regarding the aforementioned social services presented during the convention.
The activity ended with the Memorandum of Cooperation ceremonial signing to reaffirm the participants’ dedication to fostering communities that are designed to be accessible to and supportive of senior citizens.
