A newly built home for the aged in Valenzuela City has been launched by the local government to "ensure that qualified senior citizens receive intensive long and short-term home care services through medical attention, psychotherapeutic treatment, psychosocial intervention, or spiritual care."
The Bahay Kanlungan in Barangay Maysan was inaugurated Friday as mandated by City Ordinance No. 863 Series of 2021.
In authoring the measure, Councilor Bimbo dela Cruz said "true progress is measured by how we treat the most vulnerable members of our society."
Bahay Kanlungan is Valenzuela City's third facility dedicated to the most vulnerable sectors of the society. Others are Bahay Kalinga, which was created for the neglected and abused children; and Bahay Pag-asa, which was established for juvenile offenders and children in conflict with the law.
The local government inspired the design of Bahay Kanlungan from Filipino houses "of the yesteryears to give it a nostalgic but cozy vibe and make the clients feel at home."
The four-story facility "is spacious enough" to cater to 75 elderly residents and adults with mental illnesses, who were originally from Bahay Kalinga, the local government added.
It also has areas for various activities, such as dining area or multipurpose hall, administration office, clinic, receiving area, kitchen, laundry area, sleeping quarters, entertainment area, isolation room, and garden with a wide-open space.
Bahay Kanlungan, which is set to accept clients starting July 16, is open not only for Valenzuela City residents but also for residents of other cities as long as they meet the criteria set by the ordinance.