Win Gatchalian Pushes Bill “Homes for the Abandoned Seniors Act “
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian wants to institutionalize the establishment of nursing homes for abandoned elderly in every city and municipality.
According to the Senate of the Philippines article, inspired by Valenzuela City’s Bahay Kalinga, Sen. Win filed a Senate Bill No. 737 or the “Homes for the Abandoned Seniors Act of 2019,” which seeks to establish a nursing home for homeless senior citizens.
A nursing home provides living accommodations, food and clothing, medical and health care, and recreational and social interaction activities for abandoned or homeless senior citizens.
Gatchalian has been advocating for the establishment of a shelter for abandoned elders since he was in the House of Representatives representing the First District of Valenzuela during the 16th Congress.
The senator from Valenzuela made this his personal advocacy, emphasizing that respect and care for the elderly has been one of the best traits of Filipinos. “Unlike western societies, Filipinos choose to take care of their elders themselves in their homes as a sign of gratitude and respect,” he said.
However, he noted that cases of abandonment and neglect of the elderly in the country are increasing because of the ageing population. He also cited the economic reality of spending for the care of an elderly person which may become unbearable for households that do not earn enough.
Gatchalian believes that the passage of this bill will decrease the growing number of unattended, neglected, abandoned and homeless senior citizens in the country as it will provide similar services provided by the Bahay Kalinga.
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