The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) and the Department of Health (DOH) have taken a significant step forward in their commitment to safeguarding the welfare and rights of senior citizens. During a productive meeting at the NCSC Central Office on January 6, 2025, both agencies discussed aligning their programs and policies to deliver sustainable and inclusive care for the elderly.
Leading the discussions, Dr. Mary Jean Loreche, Officer-in-Charge and Commission Member IV of NCSC, emphasized the Commission's two primary mandates to promote and safeguard the welfare and rights of senior citizens and to spearhead the implementation of programs for senior citizens in collaboration with policy implementors.
Dr. Loreche presented the NCSC’s Senior Citizen Community Care Center (SC3C) initiative, inspired by Republic Act 7876 or the Senior Citizens Center Act of the Philippines. The SC3C concept envisions a one-stop-shop for senior citizens, integrating wellness programs, medical services, and other support systems into a centralized hub to ensure holistic care.
Highlighting the spiritual wellness aspect as part of a comprehensive approach to senior citizen well-being, Dr. Loreche stressed the importance of aligning these programs with both national policies and the needs of the elderly population.
Dr. Maria Elizabeth Caluag, Department of Health’s Chief of the Disease Prevention and Control Bureau, lauded the NCSC’s Program Framework for aligning with the Omnibus Health Guidelines for the Elderly. She highlighted the vital role of the elderly in fostering connections across generations. To further this goal, Dr. Caluag proposed establishing community parks where older and younger generations can come together to interact and learn from one another.
As an outcome of the meeting, the DOH committed to handling, standardizing, and supporting NCSC’s wellness programs, ensuring they adhere to national health standards. Meanwhile, NCSC will continue to collaborate with stakeholders and secure resources to bring the SC3C concept to the Filipino elderly.
The meeting concluded with plans for future discussions to further refine and implement shared goals, reinforcing the partnership between NCSC and DOH. ◼