The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, in its capacity as chair of the Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Senior Citizens (RIAC-SC), together with the National Commission of Senior Citizens, RIAC-SC members, and various Rotary Clubs in Caraga to conduct a facility visit at Por Cristo – Home for the Abandoned Elderly in Barangay Abilan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

The event, held earlier today, brought together key stakeholders and volunteers to provide much-needed essentials to the 29 senior citizens residing at the home.

The Director of Por Cristo, Rev. Fr. Ronnie Licayan, welcomed the visitors with a heartfelt message. “We see the work of God through you,” he expressed, highlighting the immense value of the support brought to the residents by the committee and its partners.

“Akong dream nga mawala na ang Por Cristo kay pasabot ana, nag-atiman na tang tanan sa atong mga Nanay ug Tatay.” His message underscored his hope for a society where care for the elderly is embedded within every family, eliminating the need for facilities like Por Cristo and further thanked visitors for the continuous efforts to one day achieve that dream.

In celebration of the Filipino Elderly Week 2024, this visit marks the fourth consecutive year that the RIAC-SC has conducted the facility visit and donation drive at Por Cristo. The continuing partnership between government agencies, civic organizations, and religious institutions reflects a growing commitment to improve the quality of life for the region’s abandoned elderly.

Por Cristo, with the support of the community, has been a sanctuary for the elderly who have been left without family care. Initiatives like this not only provide material support but also demonstrate the compassion and unity of Caraga’s various organizations in upholding the dignity and welfare of its senior citizens.