By Xander Ledesma
The Cebu City government is calling on senior citizens to register with the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) to enhance the delivery of services and benefits for older residents. This initiative was highlighted during a gathering in Barangay Duljo Fatima on November 27, 2024, attended by over a hundred senior citizens.
Chito Aragon, Executive Director of the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), emphasized the importance of registration, noting that all programs and benefits for senior citizens will soon be managed by the NCSC rather than the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). This transition aims to streamline the distribution of government services for seniors nationwide.
The online registration initiative is part of a broader government effort to digitize public services, ensuring seniors have simplified access to health benefits, social pensions, and other forms of assistance. To support this, Gender and Development focal persons from Cebu City’s barangays have received specialized training from the NCSC to assist elderly residents with the registration process.
Aragon stressed the necessity of registration during the Barangay Duljo Fatima gathering, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving the lives of seniors. Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia echoed this sentiment, reaffirming his administration’s dedication to programs supporting the city’s elderly population.
The initiative comes at a time when the Philippines is experiencing a growing elderly population. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, seniors are projected to comprise nearly 10% of the country’s population by 2030. This demographic shift underscores the need for effective support systems for older citizens.
The NCSC, established under Republic Act No. 11350, is tasked with protecting the rights and welfare of senior citizens. As the elderly population continues to grow, the commission’s role has become increasingly vital in ensuring access to essential services.
Families and caregivers are encouraged to assist elderly relatives in navigating the online registration process to ensure no senior is left behind. For Cebu City’s senior citizens, registering with the NCSC not only secures future benefits but also reinforces the government’s commitment to their well-being.