Pagpupugay 2025: NCSC Honors, Strengthens Partnerships with Senior Citizens Stakeholders Through Year-End Dialogue

The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) successfully convened “Pagpupugay 2025,” a year-end consultation, dialogue, recognition, and fellowship activity attended by senior citizens from the National Capital Region (NCR), stakeholders, and partners on 19 December 2025 at the Manila Metropolitan Theater.

The event highlighted key updates on the implementation of NCSC programs for 2025 and served as a platform for gathering feedback and recommendations to further improve service delivery for senior citizens.

The activity gathered over 200 participants, including members of the National Federation of Senior Citizens Associations in the Philippines (NFSCAP), National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) sectoral representatives, the Coalition of Services of the Elderly (COSE), local government unit (LGU) representatives from the NCR, and representatives from Senior Citizens Organizations (SCOs).

In her keynote address, NCSC Chairperson and CEO Atty. Ma. Merceditas N. Gutierrez acknowledged the invaluable contributions and continuing challenges faced by Filipino senior citizens. She emphasized that these realities should guide the Commission’s commitment to inclusive development.

“As we gather for this year-end consultation, we recognize that while we have made strides in honoring your contributions, the journey toward truly inclusive ‘active aging’ continues. We are not just aiming for longer lives, but for lives filled with purpose, health, and a profound sense of belonging,” said Atty. Gutierrez.

She further emphasized the Commission’s vision of fostering a society that values aging with dignity.

“We want a Philippines where being a senior citizen is seen as a badge of honor, not a barrier to opportunity,” she added.

Atty. Gutierrez also reaffirmed the NCSC’s commitment to advocate for senior citizens, particularly in ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.

“We will continue to knock on the doors of power—be it in the halls of Congress, the offices of local executives, or the boardrooms of the private sector—to ensure your voices are heard, your benefits are protected, and your dignity is upheld,” the NCSC Chairperson and CEO shared.

Meanwhile, Acting Executive Director Ana Marie C. Calapit presented the NCSC’s 2025 program updates and key milestones during the activity. These include the ₱3.5 billion budget allocation for 2026, a 99.31 percent budget utilization rate for the Expanded Centenarian Act (ECA) Cash Gift Distribution, and over ₱2 billion total cash gifts disbursed as of December 2025.

Dir. Calapit also shared the Commission’s plans to improve services, including the digitalization of cash gift distribution through the integration of automated teller machine (ATM) cards. This initiative underscores the NCSC’s commitment to efficient and accessible service delivery across regions.

NCSC–NCR Regional Director August Anthony N. Balute expressed gratitude to senior citizens and their organizations for their perseverance, sacrifices, and sustained support for the government’s nation-building initiatives.

The program also featured an orientation led by Senior Citizens’ Action for Development and Nation-Building (SECADNA) Division Chief Ms. Catherine Grace M. Lagunday. During the session, she discussed the registration and recognition of senior citizens’ organizations, along with other initiatives designed to further strengthen the sector.

As one of the program highlights, the NCSC recognized Metro Manila LGUs and their respective Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) for their initiatives and active participation during the Elderly Filipino Week (EFW) celebration in October.

An open forum concluded the event, giving participants the opportunity to raise concerns on the establishment of Senior Citizens Community Care Centers (SC3Cs), updates on the Universal Social Pension Bill, and issues related to the accreditation of senior citizens’ organizations.

One key highlight warmly welcomed by participants was the directive of the NCSC to remove the ₱200 registration and recognition fee for senior citizens’ organizations, easing access and encouraging broader participation.

In closing, Atty. Merceditas emphasized the NCSC’s commitment to establishing a fast, efficient, and people-centered system that ensures Filipino senior citizens can easily access the benefits and services they rightfully deserve, without unnecessary burdens or long lines.

“You have spent your lives building the Philippines we live in today. It is now our sacred duty to ensure that this country remains a home that honors you in return—a home that is accessible, inclusive, and deeply grateful for the legacy you continue to build,” she concluded. ■