“All’s well that ends well.”

The Senior Citizen Center in Harmony Hills subdivision in San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan was damaged during the clearing operation conducted by the local government personnel last March 19.

Members of the Senior Citizens Association sought the assistance of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

CHR Region III officials led by Special Investigators Norberto Fontillas and Joel Ocampo conducted a dialogue between the group of senior citizens and the barangay officials.

The officials of Barangay Muzon explained that they only intended to clear obstructive structures, which included a garage attached to the back of the Senior Citizen Center. However, the clearing of the garage accidentally damaged the center, they said.

To make amends, Jonathan S. Gumabon, officer-in-charge of Annex 2 of Barangay Muzon, pledged to reconstruct and repair the center and replace old roofing sheets with new ones.

The barangay hall was also offered as a temporary center for the elderly while the reconstruction is ongoing.

Fontillas appreciated the response of the barangay officials, given the fact that the Senior Citizen Center is like a "second home" to the seniors and the place where they hold community meetings.

"Ito ang mga simple at konkretong paraan para ma-improve ang wellbeing ng mga elderly natin para meaningful at productive ang kanilang senior years, (These are simple and concrete ways to improve the wellbeing of our elderly so that their senior years are meaningful and productive)," said Fontillas.

During the latest validation activity conducted by Fontillas and Ocampo last June 2, the barangay officials gave assurance that the reconstruction of the center will be completed by June 13.

“All’s well that ends well,” said the senior citizens, and CHR and barangay officials referring to William Shakespeare’s 16th century play.