National Commission of Senior Citizens - Region VIII

NCSC RO VIII AND DEPED STRENGTHENS PARTNERSHIP FOR SENIOR CITIZEN PROGRAMS

The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) RO VIII led by Regional Director Antonio R. Dolaota, PDO V Gina D. Ogay and PDO IV Asther L. Dadulla met with OIC-Chief Education Officer Rita R. Dumakiling, SAO Elizabeth E. Caboboy and EPS Rowena T. Vacal of the Department of Education (DEPED) RO VIII Eastern Visayas for a Coordination Meeting re: implementation of programs and services for Senior Citizens last December 11, 2025.

Both agencies express commitment to developing a unified action plan and scheduling follow-up sessions to ensure sustained progress, aiming to improve support services, educational initiatives, and community engagement opportunities for senior citizens regionwide.

NCSC RO VIII MEETS WITH SAMAR VICE GOVERNOR FOR A COURTESY MEETING

Commissioner Enriqueta R. Rodeles with Executive Assistant IV Rogy Ruel R. Rodeles, Regional Director Antonio R. Dolaota, and Project Development Officer V Gina D. Ogay met with Vice Governor Arnold V. Tan at the Samar Provincial Capitol in Catbalogan City last December 2, 2025.

The meeting served as a platform for a productive discussion of NCSC’s programs and services, possible establishment of a Senior Citizen Community Care Center and a local counter part of the Expanded Centenarian Act Cash Gift program.

NCSC RO VIII MEETS DPWH, LEYTE DISTRICT I FOR OFFICE BUILDING UPDATES

Project Development Officer IV Asther L. Dadulla and Administrative Officer V Ralphy P. Ranes of NCSC RO VIII paid a visit to DPWH Chief of Construction, Engr. Pedro V. Gobenciong, Jr. and Project Engineer Geraldine G. Faron, in line with the progress monitoring of the ongoing construction of the NCSC Region Office VIII Building.

NCSC RO VIII HOLDS COURTESY CALL WITH LEYTE NORMAL UNIVERSITY

NCSC RO VIII Regional Director Antonio R. Dolaota, together with PDO IV Asther L. Dadulla paid a courtesy call with University President, Dr. Gil Necitas Villarino, last Friday, November 14, 2025. The meeting resulted in a productive discussion to establish partnership with the university’s Student Training Program and Community Outreach Program for Senior Citizens.

𝗡𝗖𝗦𝗖 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝘆. 𝗠𝗮. 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗼 𝗚𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗲𝘇 𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗘𝗢

The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) officially welcomes Atty. Ma. Merceditas Navarro Gutierrez as its new Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer.

Appointed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Atty. Gutierrez is the third Chairperson and CEO of the Commission since its establishment in 2019. She is expected to serve the Commission until 17 September 2031.

Born in Samal, Bataan, Atty. Gutierrez began her government career in 1974 as a Presidential Legal Officer. She held several key positions for more than two decades in the Department of Justice (DOJ) and later served as Secretary under former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's term.

Atty. Gutierrez was appointed Anti-Corruption Czar in 2004 and has received several awards, including the Dangal ng Samal Award, the Woman of Distinction Award from the Venture Club of the Americas and Soroptimist International, and recognition as one of the Outstanding Public Officials by the Consumers Union of the Philippines. She was also recognized as one of Asia's Influential Leaders in 2024.

She made history in 2005 as the first female Ombudsman of the Republic of the Philippines and later served as a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) in 2023.

Throughout her distinguished career, Atty. Gutierrez has championed causes related to human rights, women's and children’s protection, indigenous peoples, and anti-trafficking. She has also represented the country in numerous local and international forums focused on justice and human rights.

With a deep commitment to public service and a strong track record in governance, Atty. Gutierrez is poised to lead the Commission with integrity, grace, and competence.

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐨, 𝐦𝐠𝐚 𝐤𝐚-𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭!👵🏻👴🏻

“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.”
— Henry Ford

NCSC RO VIII CELEBRATES 2025 ELDERLY FILIPINO WEEK WITH PARTNERS AND STAKEHOLDERS

The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) Regional Office VIII, led by Commissioner Enriqueta R. Rodeles and Regional Director Antonio R. Dolaota, successfully celebrated the 2025 Elderly Filipino Week pursuant to Proclamation No. 470, signed by former President Fidel V. Ramos.

The week-long celebration, held under the theme “Embracing Age: Living a Life with Dignity and Purpose,” was conducted in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) headed by Secretary Rex Gatchalian, PhilHealth, Department of Health (DOH), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Senior Citizen Organizations (SCOs), and partner Local Government Units (LGUs) through a series of meaningful activities held from October 1 to 7, 2025.

Kick-Off Activity: Catarman, Northern Samar

The week-long celebration officially commenced on October 1, 2025, at the Ibabao Hall of the Provincial Capitol in Catarman, Northern Samar, through a partnership between NCSC RO VIII and the Provincial Government of Northern Samar. The activity opened with a Eucharistic Mass, gathering around 100 senior citizens, setting the tone for the week’s festivities.

Program highlights included cultural and song performances by senior citizens from various municipalities and a medical mission led by the Department of Health (DOH), which provided free medical check-ups, medicines, vaccinations, and senior citizens’ kits. PhilHealth also presented updates on its Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), emphasizing membership benefits and available healthcare services for senior citizens.

Launching of SC3C in Dolores, Eastern Samar

On October 3, 2025, NCSC RO VIII participated in the launching of the Senior Citizens Community Care Center (SC3C) in Dolores, Eastern Samar. The SC3C serves as a dedicated hub for services catering to senior citizens, offering OSCA ID processing, free medical check-ups, massages, manicures, pedicures, and haircuts in a community setting where holistic approach and services are extended.

Gathering over 300 Senior Citizens, the event was attended by Commissioner Enriqueta R. Rodeles, Regional Director Antonio R. Dolaota and NCSC RO VIII staff. Representing the Municipality of Dolores were Hon. Dr. Zaldy Robin Carpeso, Local Chief Executive; MSWDO Erma Liza O. Campomanes, RSW; Jose Virgilio R. Ayad, OSCA Head; and Municipal Councilors Helen Espeso, Jigo Val Santiago, Mae Almaza, Jorald Rivera, Pedro Lazara, Marife Robin, and Angel Estil.

The facility also features a mini gym and an entertainment area designed to promote the well-being and active lifestyle of senior citizens. Another highlight of the event was the distribution of wheelchairs and canes, generously donated by the 4Ps Party-list for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and food packs by Hon. Sheen Gonzales, Congressman of Lone District of Eastern Samar.

Centenarian Cash Gift Distribution: Sta. Fe and Babatngon, Leyte

In line with the implementation of the Expanded Centenarian Act and in celebration of the 2025 Elderly Filipino Week, two centenarians from the municipalities of Babatngon and Sta. Fe, Leyte, each received a ₱100,000 cash gift and a felicitation letter from the President. This was led by NCSC personnel PDO V Gina D. Ogay and PDO III Mavis Mae C. Baoy, joining the simultaneous cash gift distribution with other regions.

Culminating Activity: Naval, Biliran

The celebration culminated on October 7, 2025, at the Biliran Province State University (BIPSU) Gymnasium, through the joint efforts of NCSC RO VIII and the Provincial Government of Biliran. The event drew more than 700 senior citizens from the province’s eight municipalities, making it the largest culminating activity in the region.

Program highlights included song and dance performances by senior citizens showcasing their talents, a Digital Inclusion for the Elderly and Digital Safety discussion led by Mr. Rey Antonio M. Oliva, Cyber Security Focal Person of DICT, a presentation on NCSC Updates and Accomplishments by PDO III Edizon R. Cinco, the Coronation of the Curacha Queen and King of Biliran, and a Caravan of Services participated in by partner agencies.
The event was graced by Biliran Governor Hon. Rogelio J. Espina, NCSC RO VIII Regional Director Antonio R. Dolaota, and DSWD RO VIII Regional Director Grace Q. Subong.

The 2025 Elderly Filipino Week activities were held simultaneously with the Implementation of Expanded Centenarian Act of 2024, awarding Cash Gifts to grantees from the Provinces of Northern Samar and Biliran, and the Municipalities of Dolores, Maslog and Jipapad of the Province of Eastern Samar, the distribution was made possible through the dedicated efforts of NCSC RO VIII Personnel: Asther Dadulla, Mavis Baoy, Edizon Cinco, Voltaire Uykieng, Jr., Nicanor Borbajo, Julius Barrion, Cael Imperial, Hector Serrano, Wilmar Orale, Jeffrey Juntilla, Ian Pinangay, Mary Queen Grisola and Gerick M***a.

"DSWD, NCSC Align Efforts to Strengthen Services for Senior Citizens"

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is poised to enhance the government’s programs and services for the country’s estimated 11 million senior citizens, following the issuance of Executive Order No. 96 by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which places the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) as an attached agency of the DSWD.

Marking this transition, the DSWD and NCSC held their first national assembly on Monday, 06 October 2025, to align policies and strategies for the integrated delivery of services to the elderly sector.

DSWD Undersecretary Fatima Aliah Dimaporo expressed optimism that the new arrangement will ensure a more unified approach in addressing the needs of senior citizens.

“Secretary Rex Gatchalian wants everyone to feel safe and part of the DSWD family,” Dimaporo said, adding that the agency will work closely with the NCSC to streamline and strengthen programs for senior citizens.

She also underscored the importance of clear governance structures and internal alignment within the NCSC to enable the agency to carry out its mandate effectively.

During the assembly, Usec. Dimaporo was briefed on the NCSC’s immediate operational priorities and concerns to ensure the seamless implementation of programs and projects in line with the President’s directive.|

https://www.ncsc.gov.ph/post/dswd-ncsc-align-efforts-to-strengthen-services-for-senior-citizens

DSWD, NCSC Align Efforts to Strengthen Services for Senior Citizens The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is poised to enhance the government’s programs and services for the country’s estimated 11 million senior citizens, following the issuance of Executive Order No. 96 by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which places the National Commission ...