NCSC Pushes Age Equality Agenda as Philippines Approaches ‘Silver Horizon’

The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) is intensifying its advocacy for age equality, calling for policies and programs that empower millions of older Filipinos as the country moves closer to becoming an aging society.

During the National Policy Forum on Age Equality held on 03 June 2026, NCSC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Ma. Merceditas N. Gutierrez urged government agencies, the private sector, and communities to recognize the country’s growing senior population not as a burden, but as a valuable socio-economic asset.

The forum was organized by the Coalition of Services of the Elderly (COSE), the Confederation of Older Persons Associations of the Philippines (COPAP), and the National Movement of Older Persons (NMOP).

"As we approach the Silver Horizon, we must build a society where age is never a barrier to dignity, opportunity, and meaningful participation," Atty. Gutierrez said.

Based on the 2020 Census of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), senior citizens account for 8.5 percent of the Philippine population, or about 9.22 million Filipinos. By 2030, one in every ten Filipinos is projected to be a senior citizen.

Atty. Gutierrez said the challenge is not only responding to the growing number of older persons but also changing the long-standing mindset that treats them merely as beneficiaries of assistance rather than active contributors to society.

“Our pursuit of age equality does not end within our borders. Ageism and regulatory protection gaps are global phenomena that affect our domestic population and our overseas Filipino workers alike,” Atty. Gutierrez added.

Said forum brought together various stakeholders and older persons’ groups to examine age-based inequalities and identify policy and legislative priorities.

Discussions opened with presentations on the United Nations Principles for Older Persons and the legal framework supporting the rights of senior citizens. The forum also highlighted gaps, including limited awareness of government services and inadequate enforcement of benefits and protections.

During the meeting, NCSC highlighted some of its initiatives, such as the implementation of the Expanded Centenarians Act (ECA) and continued advocacy for the passage of the Magna Carta for Senior Citizens.

As part of its age equality agenda, the NCSC highlighted the importance of establishing Senior Citizens Centers (SCCs) nationwide. Atty. Gutierrez noted that hundreds of local government units still do not have functioning SCCs, while some existing centers remain non-compliant with standards.

“Through the rollout of Senior Citizens Centers across our municipalities, we are creating nationwide hubs for social enterprise, digital literacy, health support, and active civic engagement where seniors can lead,” she said.

Beyond policy discussions, the forum also gave voice to the lived experiences of older persons from different sectors, such as representatives of older LGBTQIA+ persons who called for stronger anti-discrimination measures and more inclusive policies.

Moreover, senior citizen participants also underscored the need to address ageism and adopt a collective approach that promotes intergenerational solidarity.

“It is really a whole-of-society approach. The concept of intergenerational solidarity is the expression of family and society,” said former Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Commissioner Karen G. Dumpit.

The NCSC has also recently collaborated with the CHR and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to consolidate Philippine inputs for a proposed international treaty on the rights of older persons at the United Nations.

As the country moves closer to its "Silver Horizon," stakeholders emphasized that achieving age equality will require stronger laws, improved implementation of existing protections, and greater public awareness.

For NCSC, preparing for an aging Philippines means building a society where older persons are not merely cared for, but respected and empowered. ■