Ang Pahayagan

PAMPANGA — The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) is strengthening the delivery of programs and services for older persons in Central Luzon through closer coordination with local governments and expanded access to welfare benefits for senior citizens. 

 These efforts were reinforced by the recent usufruct agreement between the agency and the Provincial Government of Pampanga, 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. 

 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. 

For her part, Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda thanked the Commission and highlighted that bringing services closer to communities makes it easier for senior citizens to access government assistance. 

“Malaking bagay na malapit na lang ang pupuntahan nila. Malaking bagay din ang tulong na ito. Bago man lang sila mawala, maramdaman nila yung tulong ng gobyerno… mararamdam nila na minsan talagang nakabahagi sila sa pera ng gobyerno,” she said. 

Pineda further said that she will also coordinate with local government 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 of the benefits, urging families of older people, Office for Senior Citizens Affairs officers, and volunteers to assist senior citizens who may have difficulty registering online. 

NCSC initiatives, such as improved access to benefits, strengthened coordination with LGUs, and the establishment of senior citizen centers, aim to ensure that elderly Filipinos feel valued, protected, and supported in their later years. (PIA 3)

TOP 📸:The National Commission of Senior Citizens, represented by Chairperson Merceditas Gutierrez (seated, left), and the Provincial Government of Pampanga, represented by Governor Lilia Pineda (seated, middle), sign a usufruct agreement for the establishment of a regional office inside the Capitol Compound. This aims to strengthen the regional presence of the commission for more efficient and faster delivery of programs and services for older persons in Central Luzon. (Aldrin Joshua P. Mallari/PIA 3)