MANILA, (PIA) — The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) has happily announced that more and more senior citizens benefit from the community hubs being established across the country.
During the Impormasyon at Aksyon sa Bagong Pilipinas teleradyo program, NCSC officer-in-charge Dr. Mary Jean P. Loreche, FPSP, said their Senior Citizen’s Community Care Centers (SC3Cs) have been providing a variety of services–including social support, recreational activities, livelihood training, disaster risk management, medical checkups, and other healthcare services–to a greater number of the elderly population.
“Ang tinatawag nating Senior Citizen’s Community Care Center, ito yung napag-isipan natin sa ating komisyon, paano ba natin ibababa iyong ating mga programa sa mga nakatatanda at alam naman natin na tatlo lang naman iyong pinakamahalagang problema na kinakaharap nila,” Loreche said as these centers aim to address three main challenges faced by seniors: health, security, and livelihood opportunities.
The official emphasized that health is the top priority for older adults, followed by the need for safety, particularly in light of recent incidents of violence against seniors.
She also stressed the importance of providing livelihood opportunities, aligning with the President’s vision of including older citizens in nation-building efforts.
The community care centers also serve as a “one-stop shop” for various programs, including mental health support and dementia care, in line with the World Health Organization’s roadmap for age-friendly environments.
Loreche noted that issues like depression, isolation, and loneliness are common among older adults, and addressing these through social engagement is crucial.
It can be recalled that the first SC3C opened in Moalboal, Cebu, in May 2024, while others opened in Iloilo and Davao.
Additional centers are also in the pipeline, including those in Bukidnon, Cotabato City, Camarines Sur, Albay, and General Santos.
The weekly Impormasyon at Aksyon sa Bagong Pilipinas teleradyo program on Radyo Pilipinas and Facebook is being presented by the Philippine Information Agency and hosted by PIA-National Capital Region Director Emver P. Cortez and Senior Information Officer Jenny G. Red. The program airs every Monday at 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
