The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) was created by the Philippine government to provide better and more streamlined services for one of the most underserved and overlooked segments of the population- senior citizens. This agency, which is part of the Office of the President, works towards preserving and defending the rights of this group, in addition to tackling key issues that concern their welfare.
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The NCSC was founded in order to empower and support those who are over 60 years old, a sector that is often neglected or overlooked. This commission provides a number of benefits to its members such as online registration, free medical check-ups, discounts on public utility bills, access to low-cost housing, and other community support programs. On top of this, they also offer educational courses which provide seniors with new skills that can be used in their everyday lives.
Contents
Overview
The NCSC’s responsibility is to supervise the execution of Republic Act No. 11350, which establishes the National Commission of Senior Citizens and defines its duties. This act also eliminates the National Coordinating Council and Monitoring Board, amends Republic Act No. 7432, and allocates funds.
Also Read: NCSC Data Form PDF Download for Senior Citizens
The Role of the NCSC
As the Philippine population continues to age, with millions of people aged 60 and above, there is an urgent need to address the challenges faced by senior citizens. To this end, the government established the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), an agency under the Office of the President committed to promoting and defending the rights of the elderly in the country.
The NCSC is headed by a chairperson and is composed of members appointed by the President of the Philippines. Its main functions include:
- Developing policies and programs that promote the welfare of senior citizens
- Ensuring that the rights and privileges of senior citizens are protected
- Facilitating the provision of social services to senior citizens
- Coordinating with relevant government agencies and non-government organizations in the implementation of programs that benefit senior citizens
Initiatives and Programs
To fulfill its mandate, the NCSC has initiated various programs to support senior citizens in the country. These programs include:
Healthcare
The NCSC has been instrumental in ensuring that senior citizens have access to affordable healthcare. They offer free medical check-ups, laboratory tests, and medicines to those who qualify. The commission also facilitates assistance to senior citizens with chronic and life-threatening illnesses.
Income Pension Security
To address the issue of income security for senior citizens, the NCSC provides social pensions to indigent senior citizens who are not covered by other pension programs. They also offer livelihood training programs to help senior citizens start small businesses and become financially independent.
Mobility
Facilitating the mobility of senior citizens is also a priority for the NCSC. They provide assistance in obtaining senior citizen identification cards, which entitle the holders to discounts and priority lanes in public transportation, and prioritize the installation of ramps and other accessibility features in public places.
Partner Agencies of NCSC
- Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
- Department of Health (DOH)
- Social Security System (SSS)
- Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth)
- Office of the President of the Republic of the Philippines
Video: NCSC Welfare Act Approved by Congress
Check out this video news report about the approval of the NCSC Welfare Act by Congress! The video covers how the act seeks to promote and protect the rights and welfare of senior citizens, as well as what services are available to them under this law.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC)?
The NCSC is a government agency under the Office of the President that is committed to promoting and defending the rights of elderly people in the Philippines. Its main functions include developing policies and programs that promote the welfare of senior citizens, ensuring their rights and privileges are protected, facilitating the provision of social services, and coordinating with relevant agencies and organizations in implementing programs that benefit senior citizens.
2. What initiatives and programs does the NCSC offer to support senior citizens?
The NCSC offers a variety of initiatives and programs to support senior citizens in the country. These include free medical check-ups, laboratory tests, medicines, social pension for indigent seniors, livelihood training programs, assistance in obtaining senior citizen identification cards which entitle them to discounts on public transportation, installation of accessibility features in public places, discounts on public utility bills, access to low-cost housing, and other community support programs. They also offer educational courses which provide seniors with new skills that can be used in their everyday lives.
3. How does Congress ensure protection for the rights and welfare of senior citizens?
Congress passed Republic Act No. 11350 which establishes the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) and defines its duties. This act eliminates the National Coordinating Council and Monitoring Board, amends Republic Act No. 7432, allocates funds for its implementation, as well as seeks to promote and protect the rights and welfare of senior citizens by providing them with social services, financial assistance, and other benefits. Congress also works with the NCSC to ensure that their initiatives are carried out properly and to identify any gaps in the existing laws that can be addressed.
4. What is the Social Pension program of the NCSC?
The Social Pension Program provides monthly pension to indigent senior citizens who are not covered by other pension programs. This benefit is intended to help elderly people maintain a degree of self-sufficiency and allow them to enjoy a dignified lifestyle despite their age and limited resources. The amount of pension received depends on several factors such as income, marital status, living arrangement, age, etc.
Summary
The National Commission on Senior Citizens plays a crucial role in promoting the welfare and rights of elderly citizens in the Philippines. Through its various initiatives and programs, the NCSC has empowered senior citizens in the country, allowing them to enjoy their golden years in comfort and dignity.
Contact Information
National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC)
Address: GD-106 Mabini Hall, Malacañang Palace Grounds San Rafael St., San Miguel, Manila, 1008 Metro Manila
Telephone Number: +63 2 82498310 Local 8482
Email: ph.ncsc@gmail.com
Email for SC Data Form concern: scdf.ncsc@gmail.com
Website: https://www.ncsc.gov.ph/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NCSC.Philippines.OfficialPage