The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) welcomes an alliance with the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) to champion oral healthcare for senior citizens, as discussed during a meeting at the NCSC Central Office on 15 January 2025.
Led by Dr. Mary Jean Loreche, Officer-in-Charge and Commission Member IV of NCSC, the Commission explained its vision of paradigm shifts in senior citizen care. She shared the vision of the Senior Citizen Community Care Centers (SC3C) geared towards promoting advocacy and collaboration among stakeholders and senior citizens, with a focused emphasis on effective program implementation in the realms of senior citizen development, health advancement, and the creation of a supportive environment for the elderly. In light of this, the importance of integrating dental healthcare into a holistic approach for elderly well-being is seen vital in this undertaking.
Dr. Loreche further emphasized the need to prioritize dental care for senior citizens as part of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act in the Philippines. She underscored that oral health plays a vital role in the overall well-being of the elderly, advocating for accessibility and awareness programs.
The PDA, represented by Dr. Ronaldo P. Nuñez, welcomed NCSC’s proposals and reiterated the association's commitment to improving oral healthcare nationwide. Dr. Nuñez highlighted PDA’s existing initiatives, including oral health awareness campaigns and consultations, and pledged to align these with NCSC programs.
On the other hand, shedding light of the DOH’s programs is Dr. Manuel V. Vallesteros who expressed support for NCSC’s initiatives and introduced the DOH's "70-20 Campaign," which promotes at least 20 teeth retention for individuals aged 70 and above. This campaign aims to provide essential curative care to the elderly population, aligning closely with NCSC's mission.
NCSC, PDA, and DOH agreed to integrate their programs into the SC3C initiative, a one-stop-shop concept that will house various services for senior citizens, including dental care, medical consultations, and community engagement. PDA and DOH also pledged to participate in NCSC’s upcoming kick-off activities and nationwide programs, such as Indak Sayaw and SC3C rollouts.
A follow-up meeting has been scheduled to finalize plans for NCSC’s nationwide activities, including the official launch of SC3Cs. These centers are envisioned as hubs for comprehensive care, making essential services like dental and medical consultations more accessible to the elderly population.
The partnership between NCSC, PDA and DOH represents a significant step forward in advocating for the rights and well-being of senior citizens, reaffirming a shared commitment to prioritize oral healthcare as an integral part of healthy aging. ◼