In its bid to streamline the services offered to one of the most marginalized and neglected population groups in the country, the senior citizens, the Philippine government established the National Commission on Senior Citizens (NCSC), an agency under the Office of the President, which aims to promote and protect the rights of senior citizens in this country. The NCSC is tasked with addressing issues concerning senior citizens’ welfare and providing them with assistance.
In this guide, we will look at the functions of NCSC, its history, and how you can get in touch with the commission. We will also look at the benefits of being a part of this organization.
Senior Citizens in the Philippines
Compared to the other developed nations, the Philippines’ age structure is younger, but it is still older than most of its developing neighbors.
The Philippines has about 5.8 million senior citizens. It is one of the largest countries in the Asia-Pacific region in terms of its senior citizens.
The increasing number of people over the age of 60 is a major factor affecting countries’ development and growth.
The distinct characteristics of the senior citizen population in different countries have made it a challenging issue to address. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive view of the various initiatives and programs aimed at addressing the needs of the country’s senior citizens. In addition to providing adequate care for their own health, it is also expected that the government will adopt a comprehensive approach to health development to ensure that all people have access to affordable health care.
In the Philippines, a person who is 60 years old and above is considered a senior citizen. This means they are entitled to various benefits, such as discounted medicines and health services.
The desire of older adults in the Philippines to have a more comfortable life is the driving force behind the country’s successful aging.
The characteristics of the senior population in different countries vary due to their cultural, economic, historical, and social backgrounds. This report aims to provide an overview of the various issues that affect the country’s aging population. It also recommends actions that the government and other stakeholders can take to address these issues.
Overview of the NCSC
The NCSC is authorized to promote the collaboration between various groups and individuals, including senior citizens, in order to ensure that the implementation of programs and services is carried out in a manner that is conducive to the well-being and health of the elderly.
The NCSC aims to create a society that values the well-being and dignity of older individuals. It recognizes their contributions to the nation-building process through their participation in lifelong learning and development.
As a unified agency that promotes the welfare and rights of older Filipinos, the NCSC works with various groups and individuals to develop and implement programs and policies that are geared toward improving the well-being of older individuals.
The objective of the NCSC is to create a society that values the well-being and dignity of older individuals. It aims to establish a community that encourages them to maintain their independence and high quality of life.
To ensure that older Filipinos and their families have a resilient socio-economy, the agency encourages the establishment of communities that are capable of supporting human capital development.
To ensure that the welfare of older Filipinos is protected, the agency supports the implementation of policies, programs, and interventions.
To effectively promote the capabilities and development of older Filipinos, the agency should establish an information campaign that will help raise their awareness.
In terms of outcomes, the NCSC aims to promote and advance the health and well-being of senior citizens; motivate and encourage senior citizens to contribute to nation-building; maximize the contribution of senior citizens through established mechanisms; adopt measures to assist and appreciate the senior citizens by the entire community; establish programs beneficial for the senior citizens, their families, and the rest of the community they serve; encourage the participation of senior citizens in social and economic enterprise development in both social and private enterprises.
Partner Agencies
- Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
- Department of Health (DOH)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth)
- Office of the President of the Republic of the Philippines
Legal Basis for the NCSC
Former President Duterte signed Republic Act 11350, which provides for the protection and welfare of senior citizens. This law aims to provide various services to these individuals.
The NCSC is composed of six commissioners and a chairperson. The chairperson is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the agency’s policies and regulations.
The commissioners are appointed to represent various regions in the country and meet regularly.
The members should be at least 60 years old when they’re appointed. They should have the necessary experience to look after the welfare of senior citizens.
Eligibility
In the Philippines, the term Senior Citizens refers to individuals over 60 years old. They are a group of residents that are entitled to various privileges and benefits under Republic Act 9994. This Act was enacted to provide additional opportunities for senior citizens. These citizens may also register with the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC).
Agency Programs
The NCSC will continue to promote the collaboration and involvement of various groups and individuals with the elderly to ensure the successful implementation of programs and services. These include the development of a supportive environment for the elderly and establishment of effective programs and services.
Senior Citizens’ Unit for Rights Enforcement (SECURE)
This division looks into the propriety of the complaints from members of Senior Citizens’ Associations and other senior citizens. It ensures that proper action is taken.
This division also helps senior citizens and organizations pursue their legal rights. It works with agencies, private and public entities, and individuals to resolve disputes related to their claims.
This division also ensures that the government’s programs and laws are implemented properly for senior citizens. It conducts a comprehensive review of the programs and laws to ensure that they are practical and appropriate.
This division also helps the Commission carry out its duties by enforcing compliance orders. It assists in carrying out its visitorial powers, which are designed to ensure that establishments and offices follow proper regulations and procedures.
The division is also responsible for developing programs and projects designed to protect and promote the welfare of senior citizens.
It is also responsible for reviewing the policies and laws affecting senior citizens to ensure they are in line with the changes brought about by technology.
Wellness, Health, Emergency Response,and Benefits Division (WHEREBD)
The government has a wide range of programs and activities that it can implement to help senior citizens. These include the Social Pension, the Centenarian Act, and the Assistance for Senior Citizens with Disabilities.
A system of administration is needed to ensure that senior citizens’ various benefits and entitlements are protected and enjoyed. It should also respond to the needs of these individuals on time.
Senior Citizens’ Action for Development & Nation-building (SECADNA)
This program aims to operationalize the role of senior citizens in nation-building and development.
The objective of the office is to create a directory of professionals who have retired and to take advantage of their experiences in various projects that are being carried out in the country.
Through this office, the senior citizens will be able to participate in various projects that are being carried out in the country.
Social Pension, Centenarian Benefits, Support to Disabled (SOCPEN)
Aside from the usual benefits of social security, such as the pension, the government also provides various other services to help senior citizens. These include the establishment of a comprehensive program for the welfare of PWDs, the development of emergency needs for SC, and the implementation of the Centenarian Act.
The goal of an effective administration is to ensure that the benefits and entitlements of senior citizens are enjoyed and that they are adequately responded to in times of emergency.
Risk Assessment and Security Management Unit (RASMU)
The goal of this department is to provide a secure and safe environment for the employees and senior citizens of the facility. It involves monitoring the activities of the personnel and the premises. It also reports any irregularities and informs the violators of the policies and procedures.
Programs, Plans, and Legislative Liaison (PROPAL)
The Commission’s research team is responsible for carrying out studies and developing plans for the implementation of the mandate. They also consider the various stakeholder groups and issues.
Inter-Agency Coordination of Social Pension, Centenarian Benefits, Support to Disabled (INACCORD)
The NCSC coordinates with various government offices and agencies to ensure that the organization’s mandates are carried out effectively.
The objective of this department is to maintain and improve the welfare of senior citizens. It works with local government agencies and other national organizations to ensure that the needs of these individuals are met.
Information and Communication Technology Management Information System (ICT-MIS)
The development, maintenance, and implementation of reliable information systems for the NCSC is a continuous process that involves working with the other units and offices of the organization. To ensure that the information system is secure and reliable, the Senior Citizens Data Base is developed in collaboration with a banking system.
Participation, Communication, and Education (PaCE)
This program aims to communicate and popularize various programs and laws of the NCSC. It also educates the senior citizens about their rights and benefits.
Despite the numerous laws that have been passed to provide senior citizens with various privileges and benefits, many elderly are still unaware of these laws. The PaCE is a division of the NCSC that aims to educate and popularize these laws and programs. It will also act as a sounding board in developing policies related to senior citizens.
VIDEO: NCSC, nanawagan na mabigyan ng taunang medical check-up ang mga senior citizen | UB
In the Philippines, many senior citizens have not been able to get a medical check-up due to financial constraints and other various reasons. In this video, a new proposal has been raised: to provide free annual medical check-ups for senior citizens in the country. And while still in its early stages, this proposal is already receiving positive feedback from the public. For example, many netizens have expressed their support for this idea because they believe that it will help lower the number of senior citizens who get sick without being able to afford treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who authored the national commission of senior citizens act?
The House Bill 8837, which seeks to establish the National Commission for Senior Citizens, is mainly composed of Datol Jr., a party-list member. Senate Bill 2159, on the other hand, is the product of the efforts of Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, Antonio Trillanes IV, and Senator Angara.
2. What is the purpose of the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC)?
In response to the concerns of senior citizens, President Duterte signed a law creating the NCSC to ensure their welfare and rights.
The NCSC was created through Republic Act 11350, which was signed by President Duterte on July 25.
The commission is charged with ensuring that the government’s programs and laws are implemented properly for the benefit of senior citizens. It is also supposed to develop policies that will protect and promote the rights of the elderly.
3. Who leads, and how is the NCSC structured?
The NCSC will be placed under the President’s Office. It will be headed by a chairperson, who will also serve as the organization’s chief executive officer. All of its commissioners must be at least 60 years of age when they are appointed.
The chairperson and the other commissioners will be supported by an executive director, who will handle the organization’s daily operations.
4. What changes have happened since the establishment of the NCSC?
The new law eliminates the National Monitoring and Coordination Board, established as part of the 2010 expanded senior citizens act.
The law transfers the functions and activities of the DSWD to the NCSC. It also provides for the transfer of programs and activities of the agency for vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals.
5. Where can I find the RA 11350 creating the NCSC?
To access the official website of the Philippines’ Department of Public Works and Services, go to https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2019/07/25/republic-act-no-11350.
The State has a policy that aims to provide senior citizens with the necessary assistance and services to maintain their independence and improve their quality of life. This includes establishing programs and activities that are geared toward their rehabilitation and educational needs.
The State also plans to work with various stakeholder groups to develop programs and activities geared toward advancing senior citizens’ well-being and health. This policy will help ensure that the elderly are supported and equipped with the necessary resources and services.
6. What is the IRR of RA 11350?
The goal of this IRR is to provide a framework for continuously informing and orienting the public about the significant roles that the elderly play in society and in families. It also aims to provide special recognition to the contributions of the elderly to the nation-building process.
This IRR aims to encourage and motivate senior citizens to participate in nation-building. It also aims to encourage the families of these individuals to reaffirm the tradition of caring for their elders. In addition, it aims to establish mechanisms that will allow the senior citizens’ contributions to be maximized. Finally, it aims to adopt measures allowing the entire community to appreciate and assist them.
To establish effective programs that will benefit senior citizens and their families, this IRR will also encourage the development of programs that will encourage the participation of the elderly in economic and social enterprise development.
7. What are the benefits given to senior citizens in the Philippines?
In government facilities, senior citizens can avail of free dental and medical services. They can also receive free flu shots and vaccines. In addition, scholarships are given to help students studying in private and public schools.
8. How can I help in the commission’s advocacy?
By validating the details in your place, you can help the commission build a database of senior citizens. You can also contribute to the development of a nation by registering as an evaluator.
Final Thoughts
With the establishment of the NCSC, senior citizens and their families can expect to receive better and more efficient services. The commission will also be able to monitor the activities of the government and private sectors in order to ensure that seniors are given their due rights.
We hope you’ve gained a lot from this article and are now better informed about the NCSC. And if you know anyone, who could be family or those of your friends, who might benefit from this post, feel free to share it with them. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
READ NEXT: List of Senior Citizen Benefits in the Philippines
Contact Information
Address: GD-106 Mabini Hall, Malacañang Palace Grounds San Rafael St., San Miguel, Manila, 1008 Metro Manila
Email: ph.ncsc@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NCSC.Philippines.OfficialPage
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