President Rodrigo Duterte praised Taguig City 2nd District Rep. Lani Cayetano for prioritizing the needs of the elderly, which he said were close to his heart.

Duterte made this remark in a speech during the launch of the Elderly Program Center at the Taguig Center for the Elderly.

“What I am really saying is marunong tayong mag-connect (We really know how to connect). The Cayetanos know how to connect. Inuna talaga itong mga ganito (They prioritize programs like this),” Duterte said.

He thanked the city government of Taguig for organizing the event and for taking the initiative to provide for the needs of our senior citizens.

The 74-year-old President said senior citizens were close to his heart not only because he was one himself, but he recognized their contributions to nation-building and providing their children with a better life.

“Senior citizens, as integral members of the Filipino family, deserve utmost care and support after fruitful years of contributing to nation-building,” Duterte said.

“Now is the time that we give back to them by letting them know how grateful we are for having them and by honoring their crucial role in our lives,” he added.

The Taguig Center for the Elderly is a five-story wellness hub for with facilities for senior citizens’ meetings, casual gatherings, and days off from grandpa and grandma duties at home.

Located in Ipil-Ipil Street, North Signal village, the center features a dialysis center, pool, massage rooms, saunas, ballrooms, gyms, multipurpose halls, a movie theater, and a rooftop garden.

It opened last April. (PNA)