DSWD urges Filipinos to visit residents of care facilities during holiday season

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday urged Filipinos to consider celebrating the Christmas holidays by spending time with elderly and young residents of the DSWD’s centers and residential care facilities (CRCFs) across the country.

In a statement, the agency said it is encouraging interested individuals, families, and groups to consider visiting their CRCFs for a holiday outreach activity or simply spending time with the residents.

“Ngayong Kapaskuhan, inaanyayahan po ng DSWD ang publiko na magbahagi ng oras at malasakit sa ating mga kabataan at nakatatanda sa mga care facilities. Minsan, sapat na ang isang pagbisita, isang kwentuhan, o simpleng pakikinig para maipadama sa kanila na hindi sila nag-iisa,” said DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao on Christmas Eve.

(This Christmas season, the DSWD invites the public to share their time and compassion with our youth and elderly in our care facilities. Sometimes, one visit, one chat, or simply listening is enough to make them feel that they are not alone.)

She said the DSWD welcomes coordinated visits and outreach activities that focus on interaction, companionship, and emotional support, especially during the holidays.

“Hindi lang ito tungkol sa tulong, kung ‘di sa dignidad at pag-aalaga. Ang bawat bata at bawat lolo at lola sa ating mga CRCFs ay may kwento at may buhay na mahalaga,” Dumlao said.

(This is not just about helping, but about dignity and care. Each child, each elderly resident of our CRCFs have a story to tell and their lives are important as well.)

Interested parties may coordinate with the nearest DSWD Field Office (FO) or CRCF to ensure that visits and activities are properly guided and aligned with the needs of residents.

The DSWD currently operates 77 CRCFs nationwide that cater to various vulnerable sectors, including abused and neglected children, women in need of temporary shelter, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens who can no longer be cared for by their families.

These facilities provide not only safe shelter, but also psychosocial support, health services, and continuous care delivered by trained social workers.

On December 12, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian visited the Golden Reception and Action Center for the Elderly and other Special Cases (GRACES) in Quezon City, which provides round-the-clock care to abandoned, neglected and bed-ridden senior citizens.

“Kung naghahanap kayo ng makabuluhan na outreach program ngayong Pasko, whether as an individual or a family… ‘Yung mga lolo at lola natin dito, ang hinahanap lang nila ay may makausap, may pumansin, may tumapik, may bumati sa kanila ng Merry Christmas. Sana bumisita kayo dito,” Gatchalian in a Facebook post after his visit.

(If you are looking for a meaningful outreach program this Christmas, whether as an individual or as a family… The lolos and lolas here, they are only looking for someone to talk to, someone who will pay them attention, someone who will greet them Merry Christmas. I hope you can visit them.)

Gatchalian added that the presence of visitors who are willing to spend time with the elderly and the other residents is more than appreciated, especially during the Christmas and New Year holidays. — JMA, GMA Integrated News