ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – Zamboanga City Mayor John Dalipe highlighted the completion of what he claims is the first Mendicants’ Center in the Philippines during his recent State of the City Address (SOCA).
The newly established Mendicants Center, which was constructed at a cost of P21.5 million, is located in Barangay Culianan.
The facility can house 100 homeless individuals who were rounded up from the city’s streets.
During his address, Mayor Dalipe underscored the significance of the center, emphasizing its role in fostering resilience and renewal within the community.
“In this center, we do not just see individuals in need. We see the potential for resilience and renewal. The Mendicants Center is a testament to our belief that every member of our community deserves an opportunity for growth and that no one should be left unserved by our leadership,” Dalipe said.
Barangay Culianan Chairperson Mark Saavedra likewise extended his appreciation to Dalipe for putting up the center in the barangay and vowed their support for the city’s programs and initiatives.
The turnover and blessing ceremony was also attended by City Engineer Christopher Navarro, City Social Welfare and Development Officer Socorro Rojas, CSWD Assistant Department Head Uldarico Fabian, and other local government and barangay officials.
With the establishment of the Mendicants Center, Dalipe and his administration have taken a significant step towards creating a more equitable and compassionate city for all its residents.
As the center begins its operations, it is poised to make a lasting impact, providing a lifeline of support to those in need and fostering a stronger, more cohesive community for generations to come. (KSA/RVC/EDT/MLE/PIA9-Zamboanga City)