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The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) and the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) are taking a significant step toward improving the quality of retirement facilities in the Philippines.
During a meeting held at the PRA Central Office in Makati City on 16 January 2025, both organizations agreed to collaborate on establishing accreditation standards and accountability measures aimed at enhancing care for retirees, both local and foreign.
Dr. Mary Jean Loreche, NCSC’s Officer-in-Charge and Commission Member IV, personally met with PRA Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Bob Zozobrado, and Dr. Miguel Ramos of St. Luke’s Medical Center to discuss this significant undertaking.
As part of the discussions, the PRA emphasized the importance of setting minimum standards for retirement facilities to promote transparency, accountability, and trust between retirees and service providers. Dr. Loreche proposed specific areas of focus, including home care support programs, retirement homes, and convalescent care facilities. She underscored the need to create clear licensing parameters in collaboration with other government agencies to ensure high quality service delivery.
Supporting this proposal, Mr. Zozobrado committed to conducting mandatory visits to retirement facilities to ensure compliance with the proposed standards. Dr. Ramos further suggested integrating Department of Health (DOH) guidelines into the framework, covering not only physical infrastructure but also appropriate care practices for elderly residents.
To move forward, the NCSC will review current DOH guidelines, while the PRA will spearhead the development of a comprehensive standards manual for accrediting retirement facilities. Follow-up meetings are already in the pipeline to refine and finalize the proposed guidelines.
This partnership is expected to attract and retain retirees in the Philippines, boosting the country’s economy and tourism while ensuring a better quality of life for seniors.
This collaboration reaffirms both agencies’ unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of services provided to the elderly, ensuring they receive the care, dignity, and respect they deserve while fostering a retirement environment that is both comfortable and trustworthy.