NCSC and UP Manila Unite to Champion Purposeful Aging for Filipino Seniors
- Information Management
- Apr 7
- 2 min read
In a heartfelt step toward uplifting the lives of Filipino senior citizens, the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) and the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) came together in an exploratory meeting to forge a partnership that places dignity, purpose, and care at the heart of aging.
Led by NCSC OIC and Chairperson Dr. Mary Jean Loreche, and joined by UPM Chancellor Dr. Michael Tee, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Heizel Reyes, and Director for International and Local Linkages Dr. Vivien Fadrilan-Camacho, the meeting centered on one shared vision: ensuring that every Filipino senior not only lives longer—but lives better.
The discussions focused on transformative programs that speak to the needs and hopes of the elderly, including:
Infusing elderly care and respect into the NSTP and academic syllabi to foster empathy among youth;
Micro-credential training programs for Barangay Health Workers and caregivers to provide compassionate, informed elderly care;
Emergency preparedness programs within Senior Citizens Community Care Centers (SC3C);
Meaningful engagement of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) retirees, empowering them to continue sharing their wisdom and passions;
Community-level efforts to support mobility, mental health, and holistic well-being.
A data-driven approach to understanding emergency room admissions was also discussed, aimed at preventing avoidable health crises and bringing proactive care to where it’s needed most.
In keeping up with the digital age and the evolving ways information is consumed, the partnership is also exploring the use of TikTok as a platform for health promotion and information drives. NCSC and UP Manila aim to co-create engaging and educational content—ranging from practical health tips to inspiring stories of aging with purpose—to reach a wider audience, particularly younger generations who can become strong allies in caring for the elderly.
This partnership will soon be formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)—a symbol of long-term commitment to honoring those who have come before us.
With this collaboration, NCSC and UP Manila are taking bold steps to ensure that aging in the Philippines is not just about adding years to life, but life to years.