Duterte signs law establishing National Commission of Senior Citizens

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed a law creating the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) to ensure the effective implementation of programs and services for the elderly.

The NCSC will be under the Office of the President, according to Republic Act No. 11350. It consists of a chairperson as chief executive officer, and six commissioners representing different geographical regions and holding office in their respective regions.

The full commission is mandated to meet at least once a month.

An executive director, who will be appointed by the commission, will manage and supervise the commission’s daily operations.

Its task is to formulate policies promoting and protecting the rights and well-being of senior citizens, and establishing and maintaining cooperation and consultations with local government units and national government agencies on all matters related to the general welfare of senior citizens.

To raise awareness about the rights of senior citizens—60 years old and above—the commission will stage information campaigns.

It must ensure full the implementation and review of laws, policies, and programs of the government pertaining to senior citizens, and recommend appropriate actions to Congress and to the President.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III earlier said it is imperative to safeguard the rights of senior citizens and ensure the proper execution of programs for their well-being.

“Filipinos have close family ties and the senior members of the family continue to support and provide for the family as long as they can. In this way, they find a strong sense of purpose, importance and fulfillment in this latter part of their lives,” Sotto said in January.

“Also, being able to take care of themselves and not be a burden to their family brings them pride and self-actualization,” he added.

Duterte signed the new law on Thursday. —VDS, GMA News