#EDADvantage: NCSC Leads Pilot Livelihood and Skills Training Program for Seniors in Kidapawan City

In a landmark step toward inclusive development, the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) convened a roundtable discussion on 07 August 2025, in Kidapawan City, to gather multi-agency support for its first community-based livelihood and skills training program for seniors.

The event brought together key stakeholders from both national and local government agencies to foster synergy around the planned pilot implementation for Kidapaweño seniors. 

Participating agencies include TESDA, Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), and Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) of Kidapawan.

Kidapawan City was chosen as the strategic pilot site because it has almost 20,000 seniors, but less than half receive social pension. The city also has many Indigenous Peoples (IP) groups, low-income households, and the elderly with low pensions.

Plus, it recently opened a Senior Citizens Community Care Center (SC3C) on 04 February 2025, the region’s first dedicated facility for senior-focused programs.

This pilot represents a groundbreaking initiative under the Commission’s livelihood program—not only in SOCCKSARGEN but nationwide. It aims to empower senior citizens through non-formal, community-based training in food processing, handicrafts, and other locally relevant skills, enabling them to develop sustainable pathways.

NCSC Chairperson and CEO Dr. Mary Jean P. Loreche highlighted the importance of education as a continuing right and tool for empowerment, regardless of age.

She emphasized that having a pilot site would significantly improve the implementation of livelihood programs, especially in shaping a cohesive convergence strategy among stakeholders.

“We want them [senior citizens] to be part of what the government wants— to still be part of the nation building,” said Dr. Loreche.

This collaborative effort was made possible through the full support of Commissioner Edwin G. Espejo and newly-appointed Regional Director Dr. Rochelle Gajete-Oco of NCSC-Region XII.

The Kidapawan LGU, an active partner in advancing senior citizen welfare, has also expressed its enthusiasm for the city to serve as a pilot area for the initiative.

The event concluded with an active recommendations session, led by the NCSC-SECADNA, where partners exchanged insights on program design, implementation strategies, and next steps to formally launch the pilot program.

This initiative is part of NCSC’s recognition that senior citizens continue to play a vital role in nation-building when provided with the proper support, multi-skills development, and opportunities. ■