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Bakit natin ipinagdiriwang ang
ELDERLY FILIPINO WEEK 2026?
The Elderly Filipino Week (EFW), observed every first week of October, is an annual celebration that recognizes the invaluable contributions, rights, dignity, and aspirations of Filipino senior citizens.
Through a unified national identity and strategic advocacy materials, the celebration amplifies the voices, experiences, and perspectives of older persons, ensuring that they are not only beneficiaries of programs and services but also vibrant members of society who can help shape the nation’s future.
Anchored on a whole-of-society approach, we must work together toward a Philippines where every older person is valued, heard, empowered, and able to live in an age-friendly and inclusive society.
The theme for 2026 EFW National Celebration is: "Nakatatandang Pilipino: May Halaga at Karapatan, May Boses at Ambag sa Bayan"
LEGAL BASES
Proclamation No. 470, issued on 26 September 1994, declares the first week of October of every year as Linggo ng Katandaang Filipino or Elderly Filipino Week (EFW). This proclamation aligns with the International Plan of Action on Ageing. It seeks to honor the invaluable contributions of older persons to nation- building, while also advocating for the protection and promotion of their rights and welfare.
Memorandum Circular No. 34, issued by the Office of the President on 29 September 2023, directs all national government agencies and instrumentalities, and encourages local government units, to actively support and participate in programs and activities for senior citizens during the annual celebration of the EFW.
Republic Act No. 11350, also known as the National Commission of Senior Citizens Act, established the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC). The Commission is mandated to ensure the effective implementation of laws, policies, and programs for senior citizens. As such, the NCSC leads the coordination and implementation of the annual Elderly Filipino Week celebration.
The Celebration aims to:
Recognize and affirm the inherent value, dignity, and rights of senior citizens as enshrined in the Constitution and existing laws;
Provide platforms for older persons to exercise their voice and participate meaningfully in community and national affairs;
Promote and protect the welfare and well-being of senior citizens through age-responsive programs, services, and policies;
Highlight and celebrate the continuing contributions of older persons to nation-building, cultural preservation, and intergenerational solidarity; and
Strengthen the coordination between the NCSC and its partners and stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation and wide reach of this year's celebration.
CALENDAR OF SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES
All national and local government offices, and other concerned sectors are encouraged to organize meaningful, inclusive, and purposeful activities aligned with the theme.
Suggested activities may include, but are not limited to:
01 October 2026
Nationwide Opening Ceremony in NCSC Regional Offices
Walk for Life and Thanksgiving Mass or Service
A simultaneous kick-off celebration will be held with a vibrant parade featuring senior citizens in cultural attire or themedcostumes
Zumba Session / Cultural Parade
Featuring traditional Filipino dances and music performed by senior citizens.
02-06 October 2026
Activities to be tailored based on relevance and applicability
Sportsfest for Seniors
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Sports activities for senior citizens.
07 October 2026
Closing Ceremony
Gabi ng Parangal and Fellowship Night
A night of recognition and fellowship to honor the contributions of senior citizens and outstanding advocates for the elderly.
For more information, please visit:
NATIONAL COMMISSION OF SENIOR CITIZENS
@NCSCPhilippines
