Sagay City in Negros Occidental is eyeing a partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to establish a community-based caregiving program for its elderly population.

In a statement on Tuesday, Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva underscored the importance of stronger long-term support for senior citizens in the northern Negros city.

“As our senior citizen population continues to grow, we must also strengthen the support systems that allow them to age with dignity while remaining with their families,” he said.

Cueva noted that by investing in caregivers, the city government is also investing in the well-being of its elderly.

He discussed the proposed initiative in a recent meeting with DSWD Assistant Secretary for Community Engagement Ulysses Hermogenes Aguilar and Negros Island Region Director Arwin Razo.

The proposal aims to establish a community-based caregiving program that would train family members or relatives of senior citizens to become accredited caregivers.

Participants will undergo formal caregiving training, receive certification, and eventually qualify for government subsidies while providing care for their elderly loved ones.

“The initiative seeks to strengthen family-based care while creating opportunities for caregivers to gain recognized skills and government support,” Cueva said.

The mayor pointed out that because Negros Occidental does not have a government-run residential care center for senior citizens for now, government support could instead be directed toward privately-managed elder care facilities through appropriate subsidy programs to increase access to quality care while maintaining community-based services.

He said the DSWD would further study Sagay’s senior citizen database to assess the potential implementation of the proposed caregiving initiative.

The DSWD officials welcomed the city’s proposal, noting that the agency already implements initiatives, such as the Home Care Support Services for Senior Citizens (HCSSSC) program.

The HCSSSC is a community-based program that seeks to provide quality care for sick, frail, and bedridden senior citizens in their own homes.

With the help of family members and home care volunteers, it helps to ensure that senior citizens are given the care and protection they need. (PNA)