Manila 6th District Representative Benny Abante Jr. expressed his gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for including the proposed National Center for Geriatric Health among the measures identified for consideration during the special session of Congress.
Abante, one of the principal authors of the measure in the House of Representatives, said the inclusion of the bill in Proclamation No. 1318 underscores the growing need to strengthen healthcare services for the country’s senior citizens.
“I would like to thank President Marcos for recognizing the importance of this measure and for making it one of the priorities for the special session,” the veteran legislator said.
“This sends a clear message that caring for our elderly is a national concern that deserves urgent attention,” the seasoned lawmaker added.
The proposed National Center for Geriatric Health seeks to establish a specialized institution dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and research of age-related diseases and conditions affecting senior citizens.
Abante has been a consistent advocate for improved geriatric healthcare services for more than a decade. In 2009, he helped establish the National Center for Geriatric Health in San Miguel, Manila.
“The measure now before Congress seeks to expand our capacity to care for an aging population.”
“The need for specialized geriatric care is not new. We recognized this when we worked to establish the National Center for Geriatric Health in Manila in 2009. The measure now before Congress seeks to build on that foundation and expand our capacity to care for an aging population,” he said.
According to Abante, the measure will help address the growing healthcare needs of senior citizens while promoting healthier and more dignified lives for Filipino seniors.
“This measure is about ensuring that they receive the care, attention, and dignity they deserve.”
“Our senior citizens spent their lives helping build our nation. They deserve healthcare services that are specifically designed to address the challenges that come with aging. This measure is about ensuring that they receive the care, attention, and dignity they deserve,” he said.
Abante noted that the House of Representatives had already approved the measure, paving the way for its consideration by the Senate.
“With the President’s call for a special session, we are hopeful that the Senate will now have the opportunity to act on this important proposal. We look forward to working with our counterparts to bring this measure closer to becoming law,” he said.
Abante said the measure reflects the country’s obligation to honor and care for its elderly population.
Quoting Psalm 71:9 (KJV), which says, “Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth,” he said no Filipino should feel neglected simply because they have grown old.
“Our senior citizens spent their lives caring for their families, building their communities, and helping shape our nation. As they face the challenges that come with aging, it is our turn to ensure that they receive the care, support, and dignity they deserve. That is what this measure seeks to do,” Abante concluded.
