CABANATUAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has rehabilitated a one-story multipurpose building in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija.
The structure, located in Barangay Kapitan Pepe, has been restored and improved to function as a Senior Citizen Center.
DPWH Nueva Ecija 2nd OIC-District Engineer Robert Jay Panaligan stated that the 214-square meter facility, now equipped with a wheelchair ramp, provides individuals with disabilities and senior residents a comfortable and accessible space for their transactions.
“This facility enhances social services for the increasing number of senior citizens, accommodating the offices of the Cabanatuan City Senior Citizens Federation Incorporated and the Federation of Senior Citizen Association of the Philippines, each equipped with a comfort room and an air conditioning unit,” Panaligan noted.
He added that the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) is also housed within the structure, featuring two comfort rooms and two additional office spaces to further facilitate programs and initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of the elderly.
Meanwhile, OIC-Assistant District Engineer Leonora Cruz emphasized that this initiative is part of their efforts to support the elderly, ensuring they can conveniently access government services.
“This project demonstrates our commitment to improving the welfare of senior citizens by providing a facility that supports their needs and access to services,” Cruz said.
Cabanatuan City Social Welfare and Development Office Head Helen Bagasao shared that their previous office faced challenges due to limited space, with only one room allocated for OSCA.
This made it difficult to accommodate the growing number of over 34,000 registered senior citizens seeking assistance and services.
The agency funded the rehabilitation project under its 2024 national budget through the Basic Infrastructure Program, with a total cost of P4.9 million. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Nueva Ecija)