Gasataya creates senior citizens center

BACOLOD City Mayor Greg Gasataya has issued his first executive order (EO) establishing the senior citizens center in the city.

Gasataya, who signed the EO on Monday, June 30, 2025, said the City Government of Bacolod recognizes the valuable role of senior citizens in the development of society and aims to enhance their quality of life by ensuring their welfare and well-being through the provision of accessible programs and services.

In line with the national and local development goals and declared State Policies and Objectives provided under Section 2 of Republic Act 9994, or the "Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010," he said there is a need to establish a Senior Citizen Center in Bacolod City to serve as a venue for the delivery of essential services to senior citizens, including health programs, recreational activities, skills development, counseling, and social welfare assistance.

He added that Section 16 of Republic Act 7160, or the Local Government Code of 1991, provides that every local government unit shall exercise the powers expressly granted, those necessarily implied therefrom, and those which are essential to the promotion of the general welfare, including the preservation and enrichment of culture, the promotion of health and safety, and the improvement of the quality of life of its inhabitants, including senior citizens.

The mayor tasked the City Health Office (CHO) to provide the services of medical, dental and eye check-up, provision of laboratory, medicines, vaccinations and such other allied services subject to availability of supplies and fund.

The City Cooperative and Livelihood Development Office will also provide the services of skills training/development and livelihood opportunities suitable for Senior Citizens and such other allied services.

The City Tourism Office will also provide the services of recreational and cultural promotion aimed at improving the quality of life of the Senior Citizen.

Gasataya also issued EO 2, directing all City Government personnel to return to their respective mother units or original plantilla assignments.

Gasataya said a new set of public officials is set to assume leadership of the City Government of Bacolod effective July 1, 2025.

"It is imperative that all City Government personnel are properly accounted for in terms of their respective plantilla positions and designated offices," he said.

In the pursuit of good governance, institutional discipline, and the efficient delivery of public services, he added that it is both necessary and proper to revoke or recall all previously issued orders involving the reassignment or detail of employees, thereby directing their return to their original plantilla positions or mother units.

Failure to comply with this directive and to report to the original plantilla assignment or mother unit may constitute grounds for administrative sanctions.

In cases where there is a need to detail, reassign, or transfer an employee to another office or department, Gasataya said the requesting department head are directed to submit a written request with proper justification clearly stating the necessity for such reassignment.

Gasataya also directed all employees to effect a proper turn-over of any pending tasks, official responsibilities, projects, and all accountable property or equipment to their immediate supervisors prior to reassignment. (MAP)