NCSC Summit 2026 Rallies 'Age-Friendly Pilipinas,' Charts Roadmap for an Aging Society

The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) convened the National Senior Citizens' Summit 2026 from July 22-24 at Aberdeen Court, The Great Eastern Hotel, Quezon City, bringing together representatives from more than 180 senior citizen organizations, federations, national and local government representatives, policymakers, and other stakeholders to strengthen collaboration toward building an age-friendly Philippines.

Anchored on the theme "Age-Friendly Pilipinas: Bansang Handa para sa Nakatatanda," the three-day summit served as a platform for dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration on policies, programs, services, and innovations that respond to the needs of the country's more than 11 million older Filipinos, based on the 2020 PSA Census.

In her opening remarks, NCSC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Ma. Merceditas N. Gutierrez emphasized that the country's demographic transition calls for a rights-based, inclusive, and forward-looking approach to aging.

"The Philippines is undergoing a profound demographic shift, gradually transitioning toward an aging society. This transition brings immense opportunities, but it also demands strategic foresight," Atty. Gutierrez said.

"We must ensure that our national frameworks and local realities align to protect the rights, health, economic security, and dignity of every Filipino senior citizen."

She described the summit as an "interactive working platform," encouraging delegates to share grassroots experiences and best practices to help shape responsive policies for older persons nationwide.

Joining the three-day event were United Senior Citizens Party-list Representative Milagros Aquino-Magsaysay, Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Asec. Elizabeth N. Lopez de Leon, Department of Justice (DOJ) Asec. Atty. Robert Nomar V. Leyretana, and Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Asec. Ubaldo R. Sadiarin Jr. 

The Country’s Readiness for an Aging Society

The opening day focused on the country's demographic transition and the need to build communities where older persons can age actively and with dignity.

Discussions were led by Dr. Grace T. Cruz, Professor 12 of the University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI), who explained that the population is ageing dramatically as countries transition from high to low rates of birth and death. 

By 2027, the older population in the Philippines is projected to account for more than 10% of the total population (PSA, 2020). With this estimation, the UP professor noted that the key question is no longer whether the population will age, but how the country can prepare for it.

April Joy David, Technical Officer of the World Health Organization (WHO) Philippines, followed the session, who also agreed that “ageing is a journey we all share.”

During her session, she discussed global standards for developing age-friendly cities and communities, including the ecosystem of an age-friendly environment. 

David discussed with the participants the vision of the WHO Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (AFCC) to help achieve a great place to grow old in. She further identified 8 cities and provinces in the country as potential pilot areas for AFCC. 

From Talks to Action: Addressing the Challenges of an Aging Society

Acting Executive Director Ana Marie C. Calapit opened the second day's packed learning sessions with a presentation on the Philippine Plan of Action for Senior Citizens (PPASC).

Calapit noted that population aging is no longer a future concern, but a present development reality. That is why the PPASC is crucial in guiding all local and national agencies in moving forward together in an aging society. 

To address issues and concerns raised, Calapit shared strategic considerations, such as strengthened compliance, restored dedicated funding, enhanced inter-agency accountability, and stronger institutional monitoring capacity.

With the Philippines projected to become an aging society by 2030, Calapit further said that the country's focus must be on ensuring that preparations are adequate, strategic, and sustainable.

The second day also featured government health programs and services that help improve the quality of life of older Filipinos, with presentations from Philippine Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology (PSGG) Board Director Dr. Jose Leo V. Jiloca and PhilHealth Marketing Officer Simon Gabriel A. Ubalde.

Meanwhile, Techie Seniors PH Founder Koree Monteloyola-Cañizares has discussed among senior citizen delegates their advocacies for lifelong learning and creating opportunities through technology.

Delegates later joined breakout sessions on local government best practices in senior citizen care, where OSCA Taguig Head Ramonita T. Jordan presented Taguig City's integrated and community-based programs for more than 143,000 senior citizens. 

She highlighted the city's free services, the Taguig City Center for the Elderly, and Taguig Lakeshore Senior Center.

Jordan also showcased the city’s additional financial assistance under City Ordinance No. 25, Series of 2017, which provides cash gifts ranging from ₱3,000 to ₱10,000 depending on the beneficiary's age, as well as monthly allowances for officers of senior citizen and veteran organizations. 

She further discussed the city's Dalaw Kalinga initiative, which delivers care packages and on-site medical assessments to bedridden older persons, and its partnership with St. Luke's Medical Center to provide free consultations and geriatric assessments. 

Meanwhile, OSCA Davao Head Lorenzo C. Borja shared Davao City's initiatives benefiting more than 176,000 active senior citizens. He presented the city's regular monitoring and inspection of private establishments to ensure compliance with Republic Act No. 9994.

The city established satellite OSCA offices to expand access to services and programs providing scholarships, medical assistance, and recreational activities for senior Davaoeños.

In another breakout session, DOLE - Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns Officer-in-Charge Atty. Jerommel A. Gabriel discussed the government’s DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) and the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program.

The discussion also covered Department Order No. 170, Series of 2017, which implements RA 10911 or the Anti-Age Discrimination in Employment Act, to provide knowledge about equal employment opportunities for older persons.

Meanwhile, DOJ Deputy City Prosecutor Atty. Irene S. Resurrecion-Medrano led the third breakout session on the protection of older persons' rights and how to respond to violence and abuse.

She noted that 163 cases involving senior citizen complainants had been filed, with theft and estafa topping the list.

Atty. Resurrecion-Medrano stressed that protecting senior citizens from abuse requires a multi-dimensional and multi-sectoral approach, combining legal protection, community awareness, and coordinated action among government agencies and families.

The second day concluded with delegates pledging to translate the lessons, strategies, and partnerships forged throughout the summit into concrete actions within their respective regions and organizations.

State of the NCSC Address 2026

Coinciding with the Commission's seventh anniversary, Atty. Gutierrez delivered the 2026 State of the NCSC Address to share the agency's major accomplishments during the first half of the year.

These included the implementation of the Expanded Centenarians Act (ECA), digital transformation initiatives, and sustained advocacy for landmark legislation that would strengthen the rights and welfare of older persons.

She announced the modernization of the ECA cash gift distribution system through electronic fund transfers via LANDBANK, GCash, and Palawan Pawnshop, alongside streamlined documentary requirements.

Atty. Gutierrez also reaffirmed the Commission's support for priority legislative measures, including the Universal Social Pension Bill, the Geriatric Health Act, the Magna Carta for Senior Citizens, the Senior Citizens Protection Against Fraud Act, and other proposed measures.

The NCSC Chairperson and CEO also highlighted the Commission's partnership with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) to establish a nationwide free legal aid referral system and cited the country’s participation in international discussions in Geneva, Switzerland, to support the development of a legally binding instrument for older persons.

She thanked all NCSC officials and personnel for their years of dedicated service and urged them to continue advancing faster and more accessible services for older persons. 

Reaffirming the Commission's long-term vision, she emphasized that the ultimate goal is to ensure that every Filipino can grow old with dignity and hope in a nation that truly honors those who laid the foundation of the country.

“Kaya't habang ipinagdiriwang natin ang ating anibersaryo, ipagpatuloy natin ang ating  sinimulan. Mas mabilis na serbisyo. Mas matatag na mga polisiya. Mas maraming oportunidad.  Mas ligtas na komunidad,” the NCSC Chairperson and CEO stated. 

Shared Commitment and Learning from Age-Friendly Communities

As part of the NCSC's seventh anniversary celebration, the Commission honored its former leaders through a special recognition ceremony. Former Chairpersons Dr. Mary Jean P. Loreche and Franklin M. Quijano received plaques of recognition for their exemplary leadership and invaluable contributions in laying the foundation of the Commission.

The summit concluded with a learning visit that allowed delegates to observe age-friendly initiatives firsthand. Participants visited the Pasig Magokoro Smart Facility for the Elderly, where they learned about the city's locally funded age-friendly infrastructure and integrated care model for older persons.

Through the partnership of the Pasig City Government, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and INFIC, Inc., the facility has strengthened elderly care services by combining Japanese-style caregiving with smart care technologies.

Delegates also toured Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila, where they were guided by senior citizens who graduated from the NCSC and the Department of Tourism's Community Tour Guiding Project. 

Throughout the field visits, NCSC Regional Directors and focal persons from the Senior Citizens' Action for Development and Nation-Building (SECADNA) Division accompanied participants and ensured a safe and fruitful learning experience. 

In her closing address, Atty. Gutierrez reminded participants that the summit's true measure of success extends far beyond the successful summit.  

She urged stakeholders to continue working together in building a more inclusive and age-friendly Philippines.

"Hindi tayo kontento sa kung ano ang mayroon tayo ngayon. Hangga't may proseso  pang maaaring pabilisin, serbisyong maaaring pagandahin, at buhay na maaaring  mapagaan, hindi titigil ang NCSC."

Established on 25 July 2019, through Republic Act No. 11350, the NCSC has remained steadfast in fulfilling its mandate to protect, promote, and uphold the welfare and rights of millions of older Filipinos. ■