As a culminating activity for the 5th founding anniversary of the Haven for the Elderly this month, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which manages the center, will hold a whole day program today, April 29, to recognize donors, benefactors, and partners.

According to DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman, the success of the center has been possible because of the mutual trust and partnership between the Department and the benefactors.

“Through the years, our generous benefactors have helped us in so many ways not only in providing services to the abandoned and neglected seniors, but also in supporting us in the promotion of their rights and welfare,” said Sec. Soliman.

Sec. Soliman added that with the help of the donors, Haven for the Elderly was able to expand in a short span of time.

At present, the center offers additional amenities that provide residents a venue for unwinding and interaction. These facilities include a therapy and fitness room, music and recreational room, team building area for the staff, multipurpose hall, and an eco-park.

The center has also expanded its vegetable orchard to serve the residents with a regular supply of fresh and organic foods.

Other services at the center are home-life, dietary and health, spiritual, livelihood, socio-cultural, and recreational.

It has complete medical staff such as doctors, nurses, nutritionists, psychologists, and houseparents who look after the elderly residents’ nutrition, health, and well-being.

The Haven for the Elderly began its operation in Tanay, Rizal in 2010 with only 60 senior-residents transferred from the Golden Acres in Quezon City.

At present, the center is providing residential care to 259 seniors.

From April 20 to 28, DSWD conducted various activities to celebrate the anniversary.

These were exhibits of livelihood products of the elderly residents, thanksgiving mass, sportsfest, and wellness exercise. ###