San Pablo City, Laguna. Laguna 3rd District Representative Loreto “Amben” Amante led the inauguration and blessing of the newly completed Senior Citizens Building in Barangay Bagong Bayan, San Pablo City. The project, a key initiative of Rep. Amante, is designed to provide elderly residents with a dedicated space for gatherings, services, and social programs.
Joining the event were senior citizens’ leader Boy Reyes, president of the Bagong Bayan Senior Citizens Association, along with several San Pablo City councilors, including Carmela Acebedo, Barbie Dizon, Leonardo “Ding” Villanueva, Gel Adriano, and Ambo Amante. The group took part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony, opening prayers, and a short community program.
Rep. Amante reaffirmed his commitment to senior welfare, describing the facility as a concrete step in fulfilling his advocacy for the elderly. “This facility is for you—your comfort, care, and dignity matter. I stand fully behind every program that uplifts our elderly,” he said.
Legislative Support for Seniors
Beyond local projects, Amante continues to push for senior-centered legislation. He is co-author of House Bill 10739, or the proposed Magna Carta for Senior Citizens, which seeks to clarify the rights and privileges of Filipinos aged 60 and above. The bill includes provisions for expanded healthcare, employment support, social protection, and government-funded programs.
As Vice Chair of the House Committee on Senior Citizens and a member of the Committee on Appropriations, Amante also helped pass legislation on the Universal Social Pension. The law provides a monthly stipend of ₱500 to non-pensioned seniors, with plans to increase the amount to ₱1,000 in the future, a move expected to benefit millions of elderly Filipinos.
These efforts are undertaken in collaboration with Senior Citizens Party-list Representative Rodolfo Ordanes and are part of a broader campaign to improve the quality of life for older adults across the country.
A Hub for Senior Services
The newly opened Senior Citizens Building will serve as a central hub for various activities, including wellness sessions, legal consultations, livelihood seminars, recreation, and community meetings. While San Pablo City already offers services through its Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), this new facility will improve accessibility and enhance local programming.
Boy Reyes expressed his appreciation during the event, saying, “This building ensures our members have a safe, welcoming space. It reflects genuine care from our leaders.”
City Officials Show Unified Support
City councilors present at the event emphasized their backing for senior-related programs and promised continued support through resolutions and local budget allocations.
A Vision for Senior Empowerment
The blessing of the Senior Citizens Building marks the completion of months of planning, community input, and official coordination. With Rep. Amante’s ongoing support, both in Congress and in the district, San Pablo City is poised to expand programs that prioritize the well-being of its elderly population, including access to health services, financial assistance, livelihood support, and protection from abuse.
As the senior population in San Pablo and the broader Laguna area grows, initiatives like this building and the proposed Magna Carta for Senior Citizens represent a shared vision: a society where the elderly are respected, valued, and empowered at every stage of life.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
