The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has committed to ensure a more harmonized and stronger provision of programs and services for older adults after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. transferred the supervision of the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) to the DSWD.

“We welcome President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to place the NCSC under the supervision of the DSWD,” Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said in a statement on Monday.

“Through this transfer, the Department will be able to support the current initiatives of the NCSC and easily link the senior citizens’ database that the Commission is currently managing to the programs, services, and interventions for the concerned sector.”

Executive Order (EO) 96, signed by Marcos on Sept. 18, immediately directs the placement of the NCSC from the Office of the President (OP) to the DSWD to ensure stronger policy and program coordination.

“Pursuant to the Administration’s 8-point socioeconomic agenda, which includes improving bureaucratic efficiency, a strong organizational link between the NCSC and DSWD must be established to further strengthen policies and programs for senior citizens, with the goal of enhancing delivery of social services and promoting the overall well-being and protection of the elderly,” EO 96 said.

The EO also stipulates that the DSWD will continue to lead the implementation, distribution, and management of the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens (SPISC) program in coordination with the NCSC.

The SPISC is provided to Filipinos aged 60 and above who are frail, ill, or living with a disability, and who lack regular income, pension, or family support.

Under Republic Act 11916, the monthly pension was doubled from PHP500 to PHP1,000 starting January 2024, underscoring the government’s commitment to help seniors meet the rising costs of medicine and food.

Aside from the SPISC, the DSWD also manages the implementation of the Centenarian Program, which honors the contributions of Filipinos who have reached 100 years old in nation-building.

Under the program, centenarians, whether residing in the country or abroad, are provided with PHP 100,000 cash incentives and a letter of felicitation signed by the President of the Philippines congratulating them for their longevity. (PNA)