DR. MARY JEAN LORECHE CHAMPIONS TRANSFORMATIVE VISION FOR NCSC

Dr. Mary Jean P. Loreche, FPSP, a nationally recognized healthcare leader and medical expert, brings new era of meaningful change as OIC-Chairperson and CEO of the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC). As Dr. Loreche moves to transform the home of the Filipino Senior Citizens, she leads the Commission with a vision that places dignity, empowerment, and holistic well-being at the heart of public service for the elderly Filipinos.

Dr. Loreche’s vision for the NCSC is comprehensive in scope and deeply human in approach. Grounded in the Philippine Constitution and major legislations, the Commission under her leadership focuses on four strategic priorities:

1. Health and Well-Being — Recognizing the vulnerabilities of the older adults, Dr. Loreche is advocating for access to geriatric healthcare, chronic disease management, mental health services, and palliative care. Her focus is on transforming healthcare delivery to become accessible, community-based, and sensitive to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of seniors.

2. Economic Security — To reduce financial insecurity among older persons, NCSC is strengthening the implementation of financial assistance programs and linking seniors to livelihood opportunities through partnerships with TESDA, DOLE, and other agencies. The aim is to help senior citizens live with independence and dignity, beyond mere subsistence.

3. Social Inclusion and Participation — With aging often comes social isolation, Dr. Loreche is committed to build opportunities for active participation in civic, cultural, and social life, reinforcing that the elderly are not forgotten members of society but essential voices of wisdom and history.

4. Accessible Government Services — The NCSC is streamlining its systems to ensure that every senior citizen has access to services, legal support, financial entitlements, and the help they need—whether online, through community outreach, or in partnership with LGUs.

Under the current leadership, the NCSC is redefining how the country delivers care to its aging population. At the heart of this transformation is the Senior Citizens Community Care Center (SC3C)—a first-of-its-kind, community-based initiative built on the principles of accessibility, integration, dignity, and empowerment.

Each SC3C operates in collaboration with LGUs, various government agencies, barangays, local health offices, and civil society organizations. The center is catered as a one-stop hub that provides comprehensive services tailored specifically for the elderly. It addresses not only the physical health of senior citizens but also their psychosocial, emotional, legal, and economic needs. The centers are customized to reflect the cultural, geographical, and economic realities of the locality, making them authentically community-owned. The aim is not only to provide services, but to create a hub for belonging, healing, and social participation.

A landmark achievement under Dr. Loreche’s leadership is the robust implementation of Republic Act No. 11982 or the Expanded Centenarians Act. The law now recognizes and rewards senior citizens upon reaching the ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95, in addition to the traditional centenarian milestone.

On 26 February 2025, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the ceremonial

awarding of cash gifts to qualified beneficiaries at the Heroes Hall, Malacañang

Palace, marking the formal launch of the expanded program and

reaffirming the government's commitment to honor its senior citizens.

Dr. Loreche is also spearheading efforts to build the NCSC’s institutional

capacity. Through investments in data banking, digital registration,

inter-agency collaboration, and personnel training, she is fostering a

culture of excellence, innovation, and accountability.

Her governance approach prioritizes clean and transparent service

delivery, supported by anti-corruption safeguards, streamlined procedures,

and the professional development of NCSC personnel. The guiding principle:

senior citizens deserve services delivered with integrity, respect, and efficiency.

Before joining the NCSC, Dr. Loreche served as the Chief Pathologist and

Spokesperson for the Department of Health (DOH) Region VII during the COVID-19

pandemic. A seasoned professional in pathology, and medical education,

she is widely recognized for her unwavering commitment to public health.

Today, she brings that same passion and expertise to the NCSC—

redefining aging not as a stage of dependence, but as a period of

active contribution, wisdom-sharing, and meaningful living.