Coinciding the inking into law of the expanded Centenarian Act by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Mina F. Pangandaman approved the creation of eight additional regional offices and 96 positions for the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) on Monday, 26 February 2024.

“I echo the sentiments of the President when he emphasized that ‘we stand on the shoulders of giants.’ Our elders are the pillars of society. We owe so much to them. It is the time for us to recognize their significance and guarantee the dignity and rights that they fairly deserve,” expressed Sec. Pangandaman.

Strengthening of the NCSC

Republic Act No. 11350 dated July 25, 2019 stipulates the formation of the NCSC under the Office of the President. Its primary objectives are to advocate for and facilitate collaboration among stakeholders and senior citizens, guarantee the successful implementation of a range of programs and services focused on advancing the health and well-being of senior citizens, and create a supportive and conducive environment for the elderly.

According to data from the NCSC, the Commission caters to more than nine (9) million senior citizens aged 60 and above, in Regions I to XIII, CAR, and the National Capital Region (NCR).

To ensure the efficient delivery of its mandate, the NCSC aims to establish a presence in every region of the nation. In line with this, the creation of eight (8) new Regional Offices (ROs) of the NCSC has been approved by the DBM that will be established in Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Caraga, and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

Furthermore, a total of 96 positions have been created by the DBM for the new ROs to operate, which will be headed by a Director IV. On the account of Section 11 of RA No. 11350, the Department of Social Welfare and Development has already transferred the program: Assistance to Older Persons under the FY 2024 General Appropriations Act.

“The strengthening of the NCSC is another important step in the development of our country. Our elders are custodians of tradition and culture. Often, they are mediators of peace, mentors, and community leaders. They will always be valuable assets to our nation, so we really take good care of them,” explains Sec. Mina.