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The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) met with key officials of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to explore collaborative efforts in ensuring that the region’s elderly population receives the full range of national government benefits and services. The high-level discussion took place at the BARMM Office in Cotabato City and was attended by top representatives from both parties.
The BARMM delegation was led by Minister of Health Dr. Kadil Sinolinding Jr. and Minister of Social Services and Development Atty. Raissa Herradura Jajurie. Representing NCSC were its Officer-in-Charge and Commissioner Dr. Mary Jean Loreche, Commissioner Reymar Mansilungan, Commissioner Ricardo Rainier Cruz III (retired Lt. Gen.), NCSC Consultant for Social Benefits Gen. Mel Feliciano, and Executive Assistant IV of the OIC, Ms. Jade Soreno.
The meeting centered on strengthening BARMM’s access to senior citizen-focused programs and initiatives implemented by the national government. A primary concern raised was ensuring that senior citizens in the region receive benefits mandated under Republic Act 11982, which provides cash incentives to elderly individuals reaching milestone ages of 80, 85, 90, 95, and 100.
As a result of the discussions, both parties agreed to the following action plan:
1. Joint Letter to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM): The NCSC and BARMM Ministries will submit a formal request to DBM for the allocation of necessary funds to cover cash incentives for senior citizens in the BARMM region under Republic Act 11982.
2. Creation of a Technical Working Group (TWG): A specialized TWG will be formed to facilitate coordination between BARMM and NCSC. The group will be responsible for developing the detailed steps needed to implement programs and streamline access to benefits for senior citizens in the region.
3. Drafting of a Memorandum of Understanding or Agreement (MOU/MOA): The agreement will clearly define the roles and responsibilities of NCSC and BARMM in their collaboration. This will formalize mechanisms for the effective implementation of services and programs tailored for senior citizens in the region.
The meeting highlighted the shared commitment of both NCSC and BARMM to improving the welfare of elderly citizens, particularly in underprivileged and hard-to-reach communities.
“This partnership will ensure that senior citizens in BARMM fully benefit from government programs, and we are committed to working closely with the region’s leadership to make that happen,” said Dr. Mary Jean Loreche, NCSC OIC and Commissioner.
Minister of Social Services and Development Atty. Raissa Herradura Jajurie echoed this sentiment, stating, “The BARMM government values the contributions of our senior citizens. Through this collaboration, we aim to provide them with the necessary support they deserve.”
With these concrete steps, the NCSC and BARMM Ministries are poised to bring substantial improvements to the lives of elderly residents in the region, reinforcing the government’s commitment to inclusive and equitable senior citizen welfare programs.