NCSC and PCC Team Up for Inclusive Aging

The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) and the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) are working together to enhance competition for inclusive aging. Their partnership focuses on advocacy campaigns against unfair pricing, limited access to affordable goods, and promotions that exclude senior discounts. 

Under the leaderships of Dr. Mary Jean P. Loreche, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the NCSC and Atty. Michael G. Aguinaldo, PCC Chairperson, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will soon to be signed to promote economic empowerment and social protection for senior citizens. 

The PCC's mission is to foster fair market competition, which benefits all consumers, particularly senior citizens. The NCSC’s goals align with the PCC’s focus on protecting consumer welfare and ensuring access to lower prices and a greater variety of choices, which significantly impacts the well-being of seniors who may be especially vulnerable to price gouging or limited options. 

By advocating for a level playing field for businesses, the PCC helps ensure that seniors are not unfairly targeted by monopolies or cartels that might manipulate prices or restrict choices. The PCC's programs and projects contribute to a more equitable and consumer-friendly marketplace that directly benefits the elderly. 

Through this collaborative effort, senior citizens will be educated about their consumer rights and how to recognize anti-competitive behavior. This will be achieved through campaigns designed to promote fair market access and safe purchasing practices. Said agencies will also jointly contribute to policy frameworks that incorporate pro-senior competition perspectives.

Additionally, the collaboration will include conducting market studies in key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, insurance, and public transportation, to identify areas with limited competition that impact seniors. This will enhance accessibility and availability of services and products for senior citizens. 

The next steps for this undertaking include organizing regular coordination meetings or consultations to establish a Technical Working Group (TWG) tasked to identify collaborative programs and drafting a Memorandum of Understanding or Joint Statement of Cooperation.