NCSC Intensifies Livelihood Initiatives for Senior Citizens through Strategic Partnerships with DOT, SM Cares, and TESDA

Demonstrating its continued commitment to empower Filipino senior citizens, the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), under the leadership of Chairperson and CEO Dr. Mary Jean Loreche, conducted a series of meetings on 09 June 2025, with key partners—the Department of Tourism (DOT), SM Cares, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

These undertakings marked a significant step toward expanding inclusive and sustainable livelihood and training programs for senior citizens. These programs aim to provide Filipino senior citizens with practical, income-generating skills while promoting their continued participation in community and economic activities.

Dr. Loreche emphasized NCSC’s steadfast commitment to ensure that senior citizens remain active contributors to society, in alignment with the administration’s socioeconomic agenda. Through these partnerships, our society is building a future where our senior citizens are not left behind but are instead given meaningful opportunities and reinforcing their valuable role in our national development.

Livelihood programs are vital for senior citizens as they foster economic independence, mental well-being, and a renewed sense of purpose. These initiatives address the growing need to combat social isolation, financial insecurity, and age-related marginalization by continuous learning and productivity in later life.

A key outcome of the meeting with DOT was the commitment to develop comprehensive guidelines for the participation of senior citizens in tourism-based livelihood activities. Together with DOT, the establishment of a pilot site in the National Capital Region is envisioned to showcase seniors' roles in cultural storytelling, community guiding, and the promotion of traditional heritage crafts.

TESDA reaffirmed its support by designing technical and vocational training modules that are accessible, adaptable, and age-appropriate for senior learners—ensuring that learning remains lifelong and inclusive.

Meanwhile, SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings, underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in realizing a shared vision for the elderly. As a longstanding advocate for senior citizens’ welfare, SM Cares signified commitment to enter into an agreement and explore possibilities of putting up dedicated spaces in SM malls nationwide for product showcases, skills demonstrations, and community engagement activities led by senior citizens.

Public-private partnerships like this amplify the impact of government initiatives by leveraging the resources, reach, and innovation of the private sector.

NCSC describes this initiative to scale its programs faster and bring services closer to the communities where seniors live. It’s a model of synergy where compassion meets capacity.

The NCSC is positive to fulfill its mission to build age-friendly and inclusive communities through multisectoral collaboration. Details of pilot programs and implementation guidelines are expected to be released later this year, with the initial rollout anticipated before the end of 2025.