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The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) and the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) convened on January 14, 2025, at the LBP Head Office to strategize a seamless payout process for the Expanded Centenarian Program, ensuring efficient delivery of benefits to senior citizens across the country.
The meeting was attended by key representatives from both organizations, including LBP’s Assistant Vice President Marissa B. Pineda, Head of Branch Banking Management Group, and Assistant Vice President Arnel A. Tuazon, Head of the Government Programs Support Department (GPSD), with NCSC’s Officer-in-Charge and Commission Member IV Dr. Mary Jean P. Loreche and Commissioner Ricardo Rainier Cruz III.
During the discussions, NCSC shared its mandate and programs, emphasizing the critical need to deliver centenarian benefits to regional offices efficiently. LBP presented initial recommendations, including drafting a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and framework to address fund transfers and cash disbursements.
NCSC believes that this partnership with LBP will improve service delivery for the expanded centenarian program. And by leveraging best practices and innovative solutions, NCSC can better support the senior citizens.
As part of its efforts to provide practical solutions, LBP shared insights from its collaboration with other government agencies, such as the Department of Social
Welfare and Development (DSWD), highlighting the success of programs like the social pension and 4Ps cash benefits.
LBP also proposed the use of cash cards as an option for disbursing funds. This system, which has proven effective in other government programs, comes with minimal fees but ensures a more convenient and secure payout process for beneficiaries.
The NCSC and LBP agreed on the following next steps:
LBP will draft and send a Memorandum of Agreement and payout framework to NCSC.
LBP will seek approval from the Bureau of the Treasury for the proposed framework.
Both organizations will conduct further discussions to finalize the framework and explore the implementation of cash card payouts.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone in NCSC’s efforts to improve the welfare of the senior citizens and to ensure that their benefits are delivered efficiently.
The National Commission of Senior Citizens is committed to advocating for the welfare and rights of senior citizens, implementing programs and initiatives that ensure their well-being, and celebrating their contributions to society. Land Bank of the Philippines is a government financial institution dedicated to promoting inclusive growth and supporting government programs through accessible and efficient banking solutions. ■