Manila: The National Commission on Senior Citizens (NCSC) continues to exert efforts to help members of the elderly sector, especially those who have little to no pension, provide for their needs through skills training and employment. NCSC Chair and Chief Executive Officer Mary Jean Loreche said allowing senior citizens to work is more than just giving them a chance to earn money.

According to Philippines News Agency, Loreche emphasized that the initiative is aimed at instilling a sense of belongingness and inclusivity among senior citizens. "This is more of giving them the feeling na ikaw ay kailangan, may silbi (you are needed, you have value). It is the sense of belongingness and inclusivity that will compensate more than the monetary value," she stated in an interview on Tuesday. Loreche further mentioned, "We want them to have a purpose-driven life again and that is part of the wellness of the person."

Loreche attended the service caravan for senior citizens, where she relayed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s message that the elderly are important partners in nation-building. To effectively implement initiatives beneficial to senior citizens, including retooling, rehiring, and retraining, the NSCS is coordinating with other government agencies like the Department of Tourism, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Labor and Employment.

The private sector is also involved, Loreche said, citing the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the SM Group as an example. "Soon we will see them (senior citizens) working at SM, taking on tasks which are light and appropriate for their age," she added. Loreche noted that they are waiting for a technical working group to come up with the guidelines on the hiring of senior citizens, particularly on the subjects of pay, working hours, and privileges. She clarified that the issue of regularization and social benefits will not be part of the guidelines as they require amendments to existing laws.

There are about 12 million senior citizens in the country, including the estimated 50,000 in this city, according to the NSCS.