NCSC Leads Stakeholders' Collaborative Meeting in Camarines Norte, Sets Stage for First provincial sc3c in Bicol Region
- Information Management
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) successfully conducted a Stakeholders’ Collaborative Meeting on the Operationalization of Programs for Senior Citizens on 08 April 2025, at the Daet Heritage Center, bringing together various national agencies and all 12 municipalities of Camarines Norte. The event marked a milestone in the government’s mission to institutionalize elderly care and culminated in the upcoming launch of the first Provincial Senior Citizens Community Care Center (SC3C) in Vinzons, Camarines Norte — a pioneering initiative in the Bicol Region, set to be officially inaugurated in May 2025.
The collaborative meeting brought together key national agencies such as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Agriculture (DA), Bicol Region General Hospital and Geriatric Medical Center (BRGHGMC), and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO). Also present were Sangguniang Bayan members, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers (MSWDOs), and OSCA Heads from all municipalities in the province.
The event was graced by the Provincial Government of Camarines Norte, led by Governor Ricarte "Dong" Padilla, whose strong support and logistical assistance to the NCSC made the pilot implementation of the SC3C possible. The new facility will serve as a central hub for delivering comprehensive services including educational awareness, health promotion, skills training, livelihood, and recreational activities tailored to the unique needs of senior citizens.
Dr. Mary Jean P. Loreche, NCSC’s OIC Chairperson and CEO, emphasized the critical role of partnerships in achieving a holistic approach to elderly care. She also underscored that this initiative is a reflection of shared responsibility and unified vision for the welfare of the elderly. The SC3C will serve not only as a place of care but as a symbol of how society values and honors its aging population, ensuring that no senior citizen is left behind.
To support this undertaking, NCSC’s Commission Member IV, Reymar Mansilungan, underscored the legal basis for this initiative, reiterating Republic Act No. 7876, which mandates the establishment of Senior Citizens Centers in every municipality. In his statement, he said that the SC3C is a manifestation of what the law envisions — a dedicated facility where senior citizens can thrive physically, emotionally, and socially.
Delivering an inspirational message on behalf of the Governor, Ms. Sarah Aviado, Head of the Provincial Information Office, lauded the NCSC’s leadership and innovation, affirming the provincial government's unwavering commitment to inclusive and meaningful participation of older persons in society.
During the breakout workshop, national agencies outlined their specific commitments:
1. DOH – Provision of free pneumococcal vaccinations, medical check-ups, and dental care services.
2. DSWD – Capacity-building and sustainable livelihood programs, home care support, and training on proper elderly care.
3. PhilHealth – Konsulta Package Caravan and onsite membership enrollment.
4. DA – Distribution of gardening tools, planting materials, and seedlings.
5. DOLE – Emergency employment via the TUPAD Program and additional livelihood assistance.
6. DILG – Strengthening the implementation of policies and laws for senior citizen programs.
7. BRGHGMC – Geriatric screening services to assess and support the functional health of elderly individuals.
8. PSWDO – Referral systems, logistical support, and enhanced coordination among national and local stakeholders.
NCSC’s Commission Member IV, Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, also expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participating national and local agencies for their unwavering support. He also looks forward to seeing the Bicol region’s SC3C come to life to offer programs and services that will make a real difference in the lives of our beloved senior citizens.
The event concluded with a Commitment Signing Ceremony, during which national and local government representatives formally pledged their support to the successful implementation of the SC3C and its associated programs.
This historic gathering reflects a unified commitment to active aging, dignified care, and inclusive participation for senior citizens — setting a precedent for the rest of the country to follow.