NCSC Opens Senior Citizen Center and Holds Service Caravan in Basud

The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) inaugurated a new Senior Citizen Center (SCC) and hosted a service caravan in Barangay Poblacion 1, Basud, Camarines Norte, on Thursday, October 29, the Philippine Information Agency reported.

The event provided immediate medical and administrative resources to the local elderly population. Doctors affiliated with the Bicol Region General Hospital and Geriatric Medical Center conducted free medical consultations during the gathering.

Medicines were supplied through PhilHealth’s Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP). To ensure long-term access to government benefits, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) enrolled unregistered senior citizens into the National ID system during the caravan.

Beyond medical services, the NCSC distributed hygiene kits to attendees. Regional Director Maria Lavena Bombase Pacamara led the NCSC efforts in the municipality.

Under the provisions of RA 11982, which mandates cash gifts for certain age groups, a total of 77 elders received a cash grant of P10,000 each. These recipients included individuals aged 80, 85, 90, and 95.

“Our gathering is not merely a celebration of the facility, it demonstrates our responsibility to protect the dignity, rights, and welfare of the senior citizens in the municipality of Basud,” NCSC commissioner Leo Intia said.

Intia noted that the NCSC works to strengthen the collaboration between national and local government units to ensure that elderly benefits are successfully delivered to the community.

The commissioner emphasized that the impact of the center should be judged by the quality of care provided rather than the physical structure itself. “To those who received cash gifts, your contributions to society are recognized and this is a gift for you,” Intia said.