NCSC, NAPC Push for Responsive Laws for Senior Citizens Through Consultation Dialogue

The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), in partnership with the National Anti-Poverty Commission–Senior Citizens Sectoral Council (NAPC-SCSC), spearheaded the National Consultation on Policies for Senior Citizens on 30 June 2026 at the Manila Metropolitan Theatre, to strengthen existing laws and policies and ensure they remain responsive to the evolving needs of Filipino older persons.

The consultation gathered approximately 1,000 onsite and online participants from senior citizens' organizations (SCOs), federations, Offices for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCAs), local government units (LGUs), civil society organizations, and development partners nationwide.

NCSC Chairperson and CEO Atty. Ma. Merceditas N. Gutierrez said the consultation was designed to bridge the gap between policymaking and the lived experiences of Filipino senior citizens.

"We are here to listen," Atty. Gutierrez said, emphasizing that the recommendations gathered during the consultation will help form the Commission's future policies, strategic plans, and legislative agenda.

"It is our absolute goal to ensure that our legislative agendas, local frameworks, and community initiatives are intricately shaped by your collective wisdom," she added.

The consultation dialogue is relevant as the country's senior citizen population continues to grow. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority's 2020 Census-Based Population Projection, the number of older persons is expected to exceed 11 million in 2026, with one in every ten Filipinos projected to be aged 60 and above by 2030.

“As our population continues to age, the importance of strengthened systems that promote healthy aging, social protection, accessible healthcare, economic security, and meaningful participation in society becomes even more vital," said Usec. Mary Rose C. Villaflor, NAPC Deputy Director-General, Office of the Lead Convenor.

In a video message, Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aguirre Aquino IV expressed his support for the national consultation and vowed to continuously champion the welfare of older persons in the Senate.

Mayor Francisco "Isko" Moreno Domagoso also expressed his support for the NCSC and the NAPC through a message delivered by Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) Head Elizabeth Rivera-Valdez.

The dialogue tackled key policy priorities, including legislative measures to strengthen senior citizens' rights, welfare, and community support systems.

Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Rodolfo "Ompong" Ordanes presented the proposed enhancements in the RA 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act, and 28 legislative measures, such as the Senior Citizen Protection Against Fraud Act, the Geriatric Health Act, and the proposed Magna Carta for Senior Citizens.

Meanwhile, NCSC Acting Executive Director Ana Marie C. Calapit discussed Republic Act No. 7876, or the Senior Citizens Center Act, and the Senate Bills proposing amendments to Republic Act No. 11350, or the NCSC Act.

She explained that some pending proposals seek to return the Commission under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and some seek to make the NCSC a policy-making body.

Senior citizen leaders, however, expressed strong support for retaining and strengthening the NCSC as an independent Commission.

"Hindi na kailangan pang ibalik sa DSWD. Kaya i-turn over lahat [ng programa], pondohan ang NCSC, at hayaang gumawa ng programa at polisiya. Ang dapat suportahan ang pagpapalakas ng NCSC," said Dr. Eleuterio S. Sison, OSCA Head of Manaoag, Pangasinan.

Dir. Calapit also added that the NCSC is coordinating with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and LGUs for the funding and establishment of more functional Senior Citizens Centers (SCC) nationwide.

The consultation likewise tackled the proposed Universal Social Pension Bill led by United Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Milagros Aquino-Magsaysay, who urged support for the "12 Milyong Lagda para sa Matatanda" campaign to fast-track the measure's passage.

Pursuant to Section 2 of RA 11350, the NCSC is mandated to collaborate with various stakeholders and senior citizens to ensure the effective implementation of programs and services, including the advancement of legislative measures in Congress. ■