Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson turned over the newly established Provincial Senior Citizens Center to the management of the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) at the Negros Occidental Cyber Center in Bacolod City on Thursday, June 5.
The provincial government will continue to collaborate with the NCSC through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and the Provincial General Services Office for the center’s operations and building maintenance, a press release from the Capitol said.
Lacson said that the establishment of the center affirms the provincial government’s commitment to making Negros Occidental not only a promising place for the youth but also a nurturing and empowering home for the elderly.
The center will serve as a venue for activities, special programs, and gatherings of senior citizens.
Lacson also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the NCSC to partner on initiatives involving livelihood opportunities, skills development, and platforms for social participation through the Negros Occidental Technology and Livelihood Development Center.
The MOU represents an initial commitment between the parties to prioritize services for senior citizens, particularly in enhancing their quality of life.
This will be achieved through programs that provide skills training and entrepreneurial opportunities, enabling seniors to engage in sustainable and income-generating activities.
As outlined in the MOU, both parties will ensure access to and promotion of social inclusion through initiatives that encourage active participation of senior citizens in community activities—thereby reducing social isolation and enhancing their sense of empowerment.
Lacson emphasized that the Negros Occidental provincial government honors the contributions of senior citizens and reaffirms that their wellbeing remains a top priority.
Present at the event were Negros Occidental TLDC Head Liberty Alarcon, PSWDO Head Chiqui Gonzales, Provincial GSO Head Arnel Argusar, NCSC Chairperson and CEO Mary Jean Loreche, FSCAP Provincial Federation president Sammy Javines, and NCSC Project Development Officer Jacinto Pamine.*