The National Commission of Senior Citizens has recently opened its regional office in Bicol located at Legazpi City. The establishment of a public office for Bicol elders, according to NCSC OIC Comm. Dr. Mary Jean Loreche, shows the strong commitment of the government to provide a happy, peaceful and holistic life and the dignity of living as they age. Photo from PIA5.KAB
LEGAZPI CITY (PIA) – The National Commission of Senior Citizens opened its regional office in this city Monday.
The office is staffed by more than a dozen personnel.
This establishment is part of the implementation of Republic Act 11350, the NCSC Act, which was enacted in 2019, according to NCSC Officer-in-Charge Mary Jean Loreche.
“We are happy that here in Bicol, our seniors have a place to come and listen. We in the commission, we are with you in the aspiration to have a happy, peaceful and holistic life and the dignity of living as we age,” Loreche said.
“We are further strengthening our Filipino culture of truly caring for the elderly. If you have any questions, or would like to express your concerns, we will be at your service to address your needs as soon as possible,” Loreche added.
Eden Flores, acting head of the NCSC regional office, said that mandates and programs for senior citizens under a Department of Social Welfare and Development cluster will now be turned over to the NCSC.
This includes the distribution of expanded centenarian benefits. Social pensions will soon be transferred to the agency.
In the inaugural centenarian cash payout Feb. 26, a year after the Expanded Centenarian Act of 2024 took effect, 429 senior citizens across the region were given P10,000 each, according to NCSC records.
“It is more efficient and convenient for our senior citizens because they have their own office. Services are closer, staff are immediately assigned, documents can be sent more easily; grandparents can even walk in,” Flores said.
Violeta Sarte, president of the Barangay Senior Citizen Association in Napo, Polangui, expressed her delight that the government is pushing toward welfare and development of senior citizens because there is now an office that focuses on the needs of the region’s 433,616 senior citizens.
“Thank you to our President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. because at least the funds for us are now in the Office of the President,” she said. (PIA5)
