BAMBAN, TARLAC — Amid continuing demographic shifts toward an aging population, the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Region III recognized the invaluable contributions of older persons to families, communities, and society through the celebration of Elderly Filipino Week (EFW) on October 8, 2026, at the Bamban Municipal Covered Court.
The region’s changing population structure underscores the growing importance of addressing the needs, well-being, and aspirations of its older population.
Based on the 2024 Population Census (POPCEN) of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)1, 1,359,903 persons aged 60 years and over accounted for 10.49% of the region’s total population, up from 8.82% in 2020, indicating the region’s continuing shift toward an ageing population. Of the total older population, females accounted for 11.78%, while males accounted for 9.22%. The largest age group among older persons was those aged 60–64 years, with 488,356 individuals.
In a statement, CPD III Regional Director Lourdes P. Nacionales said, “This demographic transition calls for a collective response that goes beyond addressing the needs of older persons, particularly in our region. Our plans and programs for older persons should not be merely pragmatic but also anticipatory and strategic, recognizing and providing opportunities for them to remain active, productive, and meaningfully engaged in their families and communities.”
RD Nacionales also emphasized that the experiences, knowledge, and contributions of older persons are valuable assets in building inclusive and people-centered communities.
“We believe that our older persons’ experiences, knowledge, and contributions are valuable assets in building inclusive and people-centered communities. In keeping with our agency’s belief that Tao ang Puso ng Pag-unlad, older persons are an integral part of development. They are not only beneficiaries of our programs but also active contributors to the progress of their families, communities, and the region,” RD Nacionales added.
In addition, RD Nacionales called on partner agencies and local government units to strengthen their efforts to prepare communities for population aging. She emphasized the importance of integrating the needs, rights, participation, and contributions of older persons into local development planning and programs, while creating opportunities for them to remain socially and economically engaged.
“This is a shared responsibility. We must work together to create communities where older persons can age with dignity, remain healthy, and actively contribute to nation-building. We need to prepare not only for the increasing number of older persons, but also for the kind of communities in which they will age,” RD Nacionales added.
The celebration of Elderly Filipino Week (EFW) served as one of CPD Region III’s efforts to advance this advocacy. The celebration carried the theme, “Nakatatandang Pilipino: May Halaga at Karapatan, May Boses at Ambag sa Bayan,” highlighting the value, rights, voice, and contributions of older persons in society.
Among the highlights of the event was the distribution of food packs to Indigenous older persons and persons with disabilities, providing much-needed support for their daily needs and bringing joy to the beneficiaries.
The activity also featured a mini-lecture and information dissemination session led by representatives from the Municipal Health Office (MHO) and the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO). The MHO provided information on health services and benefits available to senior citizens, while the MSWDO discussed its programs and services for older persons and other vulnerable sectors.
The session enhanced the beneficiaries’ awareness of government programs and services available to support their health, well-being, and overall welfare, empowering them to better access the assistance and services they are entitled to.
“These small gestures manifest a sense of inclusion and care. Initiatives such as these go beyond addressing basic needs; they promote dignity, respect, and community solidarity. They can also serve as a bridge toward empowerment and stronger support systems, ensuring that older persons, regardless of their circumstances, cultural backgrounds, or abilities, are given opportunities to participate meaningfully in their communities,” RD Nacionales added.
CPD Region III continues its commitment to fostering inclusive communities where all sectors, including older persons and persons with disabilities, are recognized and valued. Through initiatives such as these, CPD Region III seeks to raise awareness, strengthen support systems, and promote the meaningful participation of older persons and other vulnerable sectors in community and development efforts.
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