The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has expressed its full support for the launching of the Philippine Plan of Action for Senior Citizens 2023-2028 (PPASC 2023-2028).
The program seeks to address the evolving needs and challenges faced by the country’s elderly population, the DSWD said.
DSWD Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs Irene Dumlao represented Secretary Rex Gatchalian in the soft launching of the five-year development plan for older persons held early this week in Malacanang Palace.
“The lead social protection agency fully supports this initiative, which is very a significant milestone in pursuit of protecting and promoting the wellbeing of the senior citizens,” Dumlao said.
The five-year plan aims to create an inclusive and age-friendly society that serves and protects the rights and privileges including the health and well-being of senior citizens across the country.
The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) developed the plan in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), key national government agencies, and development partners through several planning activities, workshops, briefings, and a national validation
summit.
Dumlao said the launch of the PPASC 2023-2028 is very timely as the country is celebrating the Elderly Filipino Week from October 1-7.
“The launch of the plan further emphasized the government’s commitment to elevate the status and welfare of senior citizens in the country,”
Asst. Sec. Dumlao said.
The activity was spearheaded by the NCSC, led by Chairman Franklin Quijnao, and was attended by representatives from the WHO, other national government agencies, local government units, non-governmental organizations, civil society groups, and the private sector.