NCSC, DA Eye Joint Partnership To Boost Agri-livelihood, Training Programs For Seniors

The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) explored a potential strategic partnership to enhance livelihood opportunities and agricultural training programs for senior citizens on 10 July 2025. 

The collaboration seeks to capacitate senior citizens by empowering them with sustainable skills in agriculture and pro

moting active aging across communities.

NCSC Chairperson and CEO Dr. Mary Jean Loreche presented the proposed programs of the Commission before the DA undersecretary, Engr. Roger V. Navarro.

Under the proposal, both agencies will work together on several key areas, beginning with agri-livelihood programs tailored for seniors. These include home-based gardening kits, organic farming, mushroom cultivation, poultry, aquaponics, and container farming.

Senior Citizens will also benefit from access to marketing platforms supported by the DA and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Capacity-building activities and upskilling for productive aging are also one of the major components, focusing on senior-friendly modules offered by various national agencies.

Under this area of collaboration is the "Elder-Farmer as Trainer" program and digital marketing, and cooperative-based selling aimed at making older persons competitive in modern agri-business models.

This partnership also aims to bolster community food security by engaging elderly citizens in urban farming initiatives, barangay food banks, and intergenerational farming programs involving youth.

Moreover, this bid supports the development of senior-led agri-cooperatives and will help streamline access to subsidies, registration support, and programs, such as KADIWA and farm-to-market initiatives.

As part of the initial rollout, the NCSC proposed pilot projects including:

1. “Gulayan ng Gintong Nakatatanda” – a backyard gardening initiative for elderly households

2. “Agri-Kita sa Senior Coop” – micro-livelihood farming clusters in senior organizations

3. “Kalinga Agri-Mentor Hub” – retired agri-workers serve as mentors to youth in farming

To ensure effective implementation of the project, NCSC recommends the establishment of a joint technical working group (TWG), a memorandum of agreement (MOA), and integration with LGU programs.

The proposed partnership aligns with several national and international goals, including AmBisyon Natin 2040, the Philippine Plan of Action for Senior Citizens (PPASC 2023–2028), and the UN Decade of Healthy Aging (2021–2030). It also supports the country’s broader food security objectives as outlined in the Philippine Development Plan.

DA Usec. Navarro vows to review the proposal and other terms under the proposed Memorandum of Agreement by the agencies. 

Both agencies express optimism that this initiative will serve as a model of dignified and inclusive aging, where seniors are not just cared for but celebrated as vital contributors to nation-building. ■