NCSC Expands Elderly Care in Moalboal with Groundbreaking Wellness and Health Programs
- Information Management
- Apr 8
- 3 min read
In a continued effort to champion the rights and well-being of the elderly, the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) launched four new health and wellness programs at the Senior Citizens Community Care Center (SC3C) in Moalboal, Cebu. These initiatives further cement Moalboal’s reputation as a national pioneer in community-based elderly care.
Building on the momentum of the Center’s historic launch in May 2024—the first of its kind in the Philippines—the NCSC’s April 3 expansion introduced vital services in Dementia Awareness and Care, Conservative Kidney Management, Oral Health, and Mental Health Support. These programs aim to provide comprehensive, preventive, and compassionate care to meet the growing needs of the country’s senior population.
Dr. Mary Jean P. Loreche, OIC Chair and CEO of NCSC, emphasized that these efforts "bring quality care closer to where seniors are, enabling them to age with dignity and joy within their own communities."
Among the highlights of the launch was INDAK (Improving Neurocognition through Dance and Kinesthetics), an evidence-based therapeutic dance program for brain health, designed to prevent and slow the progression of dementia. Developed in partnership with geriatric and neurological experts, INDAK combines music, movement, and memory-enhancing routines to engage seniors both physically and cognitively.
Empowering the Elderly through Accessible Health Services
The programs unveiled during the event were made possible through collaboration with key partners:
The Dementia Awareness and Care Program, launched with Dr. Jacqueline Dominguez, Director of the Institute of Dementia Care Asia, and the Purple Angels Global Dementia Awareness support group, advocates early detection, caregiver training, and dementia-friendly communities.
Conservative Kidney Management (CKM), in partnership with the country CKM founder, Dr. Irmingarda Gueco and the Philippine Society of Nephrology with Dr. Lisa Palencia and Dr. Backy Bahan, introducing non-dialysis options for seniors managing chronic kidney disease, empowering them with informed choices for their care.
Oral Health Services, led by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Dental Association (PDA), provided seniors with a lecture and free hygiene kits—helping address an often overlooked yet essential aspect of senior health.
A robust Mental Health Support component included arts and crafts, community walks, and therapeutic dance sessions, fostering both emotional healing and social interaction.
Geriatric Screening and Elder Health Education were also central to the event. The Institute of Aging, led by its Director Dr. Shelley dela Vega, presented research findings on the current health status and needs of the nation’s elderly—offering critical insights to guide evidence-based interventions. Together with Professor Lydia Manahan, they also conducted training on the 10-minute Geriatric Screening Tool, a quick yet effective assessment designed to identify early signs of frailty, cognitive decline, and other age-related risks.
Bonus Health Lectures: Preventing Falls and Promoting Urological Wellness
Participants also benefited from two highly informative health lectures that tackled common but serious senior health concerns:
Dr. Alvin Mojica, a rehabilitation medicine specialist, delivered an engaging talk on Fall and Fracture Prevention. He highlighted strategies for home safety, strength-building exercises, and mobility aids—essential tools in reducing fall-related injuries, which are a leading cause of hospitalization among the elderly.
Dr. Marie Carmela Lapitan, a distinguished urologist, presented on Common Urinary Problems in Older Adults, addressing issues such as incontinence, urinary tract infections, and benign prostatic conditions. Her session offered practical advice and reassured participants that these conditions can be managed effectively with the right interventions.
A Model for Community-Based Senior Care
Supported by the Local Government Unit of Moalboal, this expansion showcases how partnerships between national agencies and local governments can result in sustainable, high-impact programs that truly benefit the elderly.
“Our dream is for every community to have a Center like this—where seniors are not only cared for medically, but valued socially and mentally,” said one participating health volunteer.
The Moalboal SC3C continues to serve as a national model for delivering integrated services to senior citizens, proving that community care is not only possible—but powerful.
