NCSC Eyes Partnership with DepEd in empowering the Youth to Support Senior Citizens

The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) is expanding its reach to the younger generation through a strategic partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd). This initiative underscores NCSC’s commitment to build an inclusive, compassionate society by nurturing intergenerational understanding and civic responsibility among Filipino youth. 

As presented by Dr. Mary Jean P. Loreche, OIC Chairperson and CEO of NCSC, the collaboration is rooted in a shared goal to provide holistic development both the young generation and the senior citizens. She further elaborated  that by engaging the youth in the lives and welfare of senior citizens, we foster not just empathy but a deeper cultural appreciation and civic consciousness. 

Demonstrating DepEd’s full support for this initiative, Undersecretary Wilfredo E. Cabral expressed strong confidence in the transformative potential of the partnership. He reiterated that this collaboration with the NCSC aligns with DepEd’s commitment to inclusive and values-based education. This will also bring opportunity to empower learners while honoring and integrating the wisdom of the elders. 

Importantly, this partnership aims to address key generational gaps—including issues related to the digital divide, shifting cultural values, and age-based stereotypes. Through sustained dialogue, shared learning experiences, and community interaction, NCSC and DepEd seek to bridge the gaps and promote mutual understanding between generations.

The proposed partnership opens doors for several impactful initiatives:

• Intergenerational Learning Programs: Incorporating aging and elder care into the curriculum, inviting senior citizens as mentors, and nurturing a school culture that values respect for elders.

• Health and Wellness Awareness: Launching joint school campaigns on healthy aging and mental health while involving students in community outreach.

• Youth Volunteerism: Encouraging active youth participation in elderly care through civic engagement and service-learning programs.

• Teacher Training: Developing modules on intergenerational pedagogy and aging-sensitive education.

• Joint Research and Policy Work: Co-developing data-driven policies grounded in youth and school-based perspectives on aging and intergenerational gaps.

To realize this initiative, the following actions were proposed by the NCSC:

• Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize the partnership.

• Creation of a joint working group or technical team to plan, coordinate, and monitor implementation.

• Identification of pilot areas or schools to serve as testing grounds for intergenerational programs.

• Development of an initial activity roadmap for 2025–2026, aligning academic, civic, and wellness activities with the goals of the collaboration.

This collaboration is not only about supporting today’s senior citizens but also about shaping future generations who will grow up with values of compassion, service, and mutual respect across age groups.