CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) is ramping up its efforts to support older persons in Central Luzon by working closely with local governments and expanding access to welfare benefits.
This initiative aims to improve the lives of senior citizens, with a focus on healthcare, social engagement, and economic empowerment and to ensure that elderly Filipinos feel valued, protected, and supported in their later years.
These efforts were reinforced by the usufruct agreement between the agency and the Provincial Government of Pampanga during the ceremonial signing on January 19, which allows the establishment of the NCSC Regional Office 3 within the Provincial Capitol Compound.
NCSC Chairperson Merceditas Gutierrez said the agreement will help bring government services closer to senior citizens and allow the Commission to respond more effectively to their concerns.
“Napakalaking bagay nito para sa amin dahil ang mga senior citizens ay maaari nang pumunta anumang oras sa regional office, at ang kanilang mga problema ay maipaparating sa Komisyon sa pamamagitan nito,” she emphasized. (This is a huge deal for us because senior citizens can now go to the regional office at any time, and their problems can be conveyed to the Commission through it.)
Gutierrez added that having a permanent regional presence will strengthen coordination with agencies mandated to protect the welfare and rights of older persons.
The chairperson highlighted the continued implementation of Republic Act No. 11982, otherwise known as the Expanded Centenarians Act, which provides cash incentives to senior citizens who reach milestone ages.
“Ang mga umabot sa edad na 80, 85, 90, at 95 ay makatatanggap ng P10,000, habang ang mga nasa 100 taong gulang ay tumatanggap ng P100,000 mula sa Komisyon. Bukod pa ito sa maaaring ibigay ng lokal na pamahalaan,” she explained. (Those who reach the ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95 will receive P10,000, while those who are 100 years old will receive P100,000 from the Commission. This is in addition to what the local government may provide.)
For her part, Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda thanked the Commission, and highlighted that bringing services closer to communities make it easier for senior citizens to access government assistance.
“Malaking bagay din ang tulong na ito. Bago man lang sila mawala, maramdaman nila yung tulong ng gobyerno…mararamdam nila na minsan talagang nakabagi sila sa pera ng gobyerno,” she said. (It’s a big help for them. Even before they’re gone, they’ll feel the help from the government…they’ll feel that they’ve actually shared in the government’s money for a while.)
Pineda furthered that she will also coordinate with local governments units (LGUs) and tap barangay health workers to help coordinate and attend to the needs of seniors in the province.
NCSC Central Luzon Regional Director Emmanuel Daez said the partnership strengthens the Commission’s capacity to serve senior citizens not only in Pampanga, but across the entire region.
“This partnership ensures that government services truly reach those who have spent a lifetime building our communities. This day reminds us that when national and local governments work hand in hand, our seniors feel valued and cared for,” he noted.
Gutierrez meanwhile underscored the importance of proper registration to fast-track the release benefits, urging families of older people, Office for Senior Citizens Affairs officers, and volunteers to assist senior citizens who may have difficulty registering online. ‘
