Cabusao, Camarines Sur – March 11, 2025 – The 5th Multi-Sector Governance Council (MSGC) meeting, presided over by National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) Officer-In-Charge Commissioner Mary Jean Loreche, brought together key stakeholders to review significant advancements in senior healthcare and discuss future initiatives.
Key representatives from the healthcare sector, academic institutions, non-government organizations, and local government units attended the meeting. Updates focused on research, hospital expansion, and improvements in geriatric care.
Hospital Development and Healthcare Initiatives
The Bicol Region General Hospital and Geriatric Medical Center (BRGHGMC) shared its growth trajectory, from a 200-bed Level 2 facility aiming for a 300-bed capacity by 2028 and a 500-bed Level 3 hospital by 2031. The hospital also highlighted its Geriatric Transition of Care Program, which has led to improved patient outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and enhanced outpatient services.
BRGHGMC’s development plans include a proposed national project center on a 5-hectare site, a new two-story geriatric building, and the conversion of the Juri building into a long-term care facility. Future projects will explore home care and transitory care support packages, with comprehensive costing reports to be prepared for lobbying with Congress and PhilHealth.
Strengthening Research and Governance
Dr. Shelly Dela Vega provided updates from the Resource Planning and Generation Committee, emphasizing research initiatives, budget allocations, and accreditation of the hospital’s research unit. Challenges in meeting deliverables were acknowledged, with renewed commitments to accelerate the completion of clinical pathway guidelines.
National Commission for Senior Citizens Initiatives
Commissioner Loreche presented the NCSC’s latest accomplishments, including the nationwide implementation of the Expanded Centenarian Act’s cash gift distribution and the opening of Senior Citizen Community Centers (SC3C) in key regions. The commission is actively coordinating with LGUs such as Matnog, Sorsogon, and Camarines Norte to establish more SC3C facilities.
Next Steps
The meeting concluded with concrete action points, including:
Submission of clinical pathway guidelines for pneumonia cases in elderly patients
Staff training in evidence-based medicine at the Institute of Clinical Epidemiology, NIH
Enhancing the online referral system for patient care coordination
Collaborative efforts between BRGHGMC and NCSC to replicate the Transition of Care Program in other regions
With a strong commitment to improving geriatric healthcare and senior citizen welfare, stakeholders left the meeting with a shared vision for sustained progress and impactful service delivery.