By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
QUEZON CITY — The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) and the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) on Monday (Feb. 17) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
to strengthen delivery of services to senior citizens and elderly Indigenous Peoples (IPs).
The MOU signing was held at the 30th Floor, Penthouse of The Upperclass Tower.
The MOU between NCSC and NCIP establishes a strategic partnership to enhance the welfare of elderly IPs through incentives, healthcare access, joint advocacy, and policy collaboration.
It reinforces their commitment to recognition, protection, and active participation while supporting the implementation of Republic Act No. 11982.
Mervin H. Espadero, NCIP Executive Director, in his opening remarks, acknowledged the presence of the NCIP and NCSC officials.
Espadero is ahead of three years at the Philippine Military Academy with Gen. Cruz.
He said that the MOU signing will strengthen the collaboration for the welfare of the elderly IPs.
Reymar M. Mansilungan, Commission Member IV, said that since he became NCSC Commissioner, he has limited his opening remarks.
Mansilungan cited the similarities between the NCSC in 1992 and it took Congress 27 years to create the NCIP.
The NCSC and NCIP MOU provides for incentives and benefits to elderly IPs, joint activity during the Elderly Filipino Week, Celebration, which coincides with the Indigenous People’s Month, data-sharing, joint advocacy efforts, healthcare and social services, discounts and privileges, among others.
Dr. Mary Jean P. Loreche, NCSC Officer-in-Charge, said that the IPs are the repository of the culture, history and heritage, from whom the youth would learn more and benefit for their future.
Dr. Loreche expressed her gratitude for the realization of the collaboration between the NCSC and the NCIP.
Jennifer Pia Sibug-Las, NCIP Chairperson, said that asked whether do you believe in the IPs that when it rains, it brings about blessings?
“Alone, we can do little. Together, we can do much,” Sibug-Las also quoted Helen Keller as saying as did Gen. Cruz earlier.
“This collaboration will strengthen more the relationship between the NCIP and the NCSC for the senior citizens and elderly IPs in the country,” she said.
“This MOU between the NCSC and the NCIP will pursue the benefits, incentives and receive the recognition they deserve,” she added.
To pursue the IPRA Law in the Philippines, Sibug-Las asked his father whether they were paid with salary.
The IPs then were just volunteers.
“It is the legacy that is left in your hearts
that is important when you leave. Yesen,” she said.
Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier G Cruz III (Ret.), Commissioner Member IV, expressed gladness for the realization of the long-awaited MOU signing between the NCSC and the NCIP.
“This is the implementation of RA 11982, or the Expanded Senior Citizen Benefits Law,” he said.
The law provides for P10,000 cash gift to senior citizens aged 80, 85, 90 and 95 this year, the implementation of which, was transferred to the NCSC.
He, however, noted that many IPs have no birth certificate.
Emmanuel E. Daez, NCSC Acting Executive Director IV, moderated the press conference.
Sibug-Las assured that they can address the concerns of the IPs, however, when it comes to investments involving ancestral domains covered by CLOAS, coordination will be made with stakeholders in order to address such concerns.
Mansilungan clarified that such ancestral domain or CADTI is not covered by the MOU. The law did not require the NCSC to formulate the IRR, but they made the guidelines as to proof of birth of a senior citizen, or certificate of registration of the IP with the PSA.
The certification will be received by the NCSC and the NCIP will make the verification for the certificate of birth of the IP.
99% of the residents of the Cordilleras are IPs.
967 voting centers will be put up for the IPs for the May 12, 2025 midterm elections so that they will not anymore have to go down the mountains, according to Sibug-Las.
Dr. Loreche cited the programs of the NCSC such as the wellness and healthcare program in the community areas in the local government units for the health and wellness of their constituents.
Sibug-Las also cited the cooperation with the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) as regards the matters of ethnicity.
Dr. Loreche stressed that the NCSC has to collaborate with the NCIP as it cannot do alone the mandate to reach the IPs in the far-flung areas of the country.
Sibug-Las admitted though that they may have the data but it’s limited and through the partnership with the NCSC, they will be able to establish the elderly database.
Dr. Loreche assured that they are now establishing the elderly management database.
“The LGUs, they are helping us. We believe that we have good working relationship with the DILG,” she said.
Sibug-Las said that they have the IP Van, especially in the IP areas.
The NCSC will have a MOA signing with Comelec on Wednesday and with TESDA.
