NCSC and DOST-PCHRD Explore Research and Program Collaborations for Elderly Care
- Information Management
- Apr 7
- 2 min read
In a productive exploratory meeting held on April 4, 2025, at the PCHRD Office in Taguig City, the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), represented by Officer-in-Charge and Commissioner Dr. Mary Jean Loreche, and the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), led by Executive Director Dr. Jaime Montoya, discussed potential areas of collaboration to enhance evidence-based policy and program development for Filipino senior citizens.
Dr. Montoya expressed strong support for the NCSC’s flagship initiative, the Senior Citizens Community Care Centers (SC3C), recognizing its vital role in bringing holistic services closer to the elderly population. He shared strategic recommendations to help ensure that every local government unit (LGU) establishes at least one SC3C, as envisioned by the Commission.
While PCHRD traditionally focuses on supporting health researchers and scientists, Dr. Montoya acknowledged the multidisciplinary nature of the proposed “Balik Seniors” program, which aims to tap into the talents and expertise of retired professionals across various sectors. To address this, he proposed expanding the collaboration to include other DOST agencies that can cater to a broader range of expertise, ensuring a more inclusive approach to the program’s implementation.
Another key outcome of the meeting was PCHRD’s commitment to share relevant health research data concerning the elderly demographic with the NCSC. This access to existing data will significantly aid the Commission in crafting responsive and data-driven policies and programs.
Furthermore, both parties agreed to explore joint research initiatives to fill existing data gaps and generate fresh insights to support the NCSC’s growing portfolio of services for older persons. These collaborative efforts are seen as essential to advancing the Commission’s goal of providing comprehensive, community-based care to senior citizens throughout the country.
The meeting concluded with a shared optimism that this partnership between NCSC and DOST-PCHRD will contribute to a more compassionate, research-informed, and sustainable approach to elderly care in the Philippines.