By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
MANILA – The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the creation of eight additional regional offices and 96 plantilla positions for the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC).
The NCSC’s new regional offices will be established in Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Caraga, and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), the DBM said in a statement Tuesday.
“To ensure the efficient delivery of its mandate, the NCSC aims to establish a presence in every region of the nation,” the DBM said.
Some 96 positions will also be created, in line with the operation of new regional offices which will be headed by a Director IV.
Citing the NCSC’s data, the DBM said the commission caters to more than nine million seniors in Ilocos Norte, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Region 4-A (Calabarzon), Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Soccsksargen, CAR, and Metro Manila.
“On the account of Section 11 of RA (Republic Act) 11350, the Department of Social Welfare and Development has already transferred the program: Assistance to Older Persons under the FY 2024 General Appropriations Act,” the DBM said.
DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman approved the establishment of new regional offices and plantilla posts for the NCSC on Feb. 26, the same day when President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed into law the expanded Centenarian Act.
Pangandaman said strengthening the NCSC is another important step in the country’s development.
“I echo the sentiments of the President when he emphasized that ‘we stand on the shoulders of giants.’ Our elders are the pillars of society. We owe so much to them. It is the time for us to recognize their significance and guarantee the dignity and rights that they fairly deserve,” she said. “They will always be valuable assets to our nation, so we really take good care of them.”
RA 11350 or the NCSC Act inked on July 25, 2019 stipulates the creation of the NCSC under the Office of the President.
It guarantees the implementation of a range of programs and services focused on advancing the health and well-being of seniors and creating a supportive and conducive environment for the elderly. (PNA)
