Filipinos have long been known for their strong family ties and respect for elders. In many homes, lolo and lola are lovingly cared for by children and grandchildren, reflecting the Filipino value of pagmamalasakit and utang na loob. But as families grow smaller and more members work outside the home, many households now need extra support to keep their elderly loved ones healthy, safe, and well cared for.
Rising Senior Population Puts Pressure on Families and Health System
The Philippines is facing a steady increase in its aging population. Recent data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show that more than 10 million Filipinos aged 60 and above now live in the country, accounting for around 8 to 9 percent of the total population. This number is projected to rise significantly in the coming decades as life expectancy improves and birth rates decline.
With this demographic shift, experts warn that the country’s healthcare system and families alike will face growing challenges in providing specialized and long-term care for older adults.
Villar Bill Passed on Third Reading
To address this gap, the Senate has passed on third reading Senate Bill No. 1500, or the Philippine Geriatric Center Act, principally authored and co-sponsored by Senators Mark Villar and Camille Villar.
“The focus of this bill has always been to ease the burdens of our seniors and their families,” Villar said in a statement, citing projections of a growing elderly population in the coming years. He added that the measure aims to ensure older Filipinos receive “dignified, comprehensive care” tailored to their needs, while helping reduce the pressure on families who often shoulder caregiving responsibilities.
If enacted into law, the bill would establish the Philippine Geriatric Center as a tertiary specialty hospital under the Department of Health (DOH), envisioned to serve as the country’s lead institution for geriatric medicine, research, and training.
Integrated Care, Research, and Nationwide Coordination
The proposed law also calls for stronger coordination among the DOH, local government units, and other stakeholders to expand integrated geriatric health services across the country. Key provisions include developing specialized geriatric programs, promoting research and training in geriatrics, and adopting an integrated approach to elderly care, including preventive services, rehabilitation, and multidisciplinary treatment.
In a country where grandparents are the heart of the family, the bill sends a powerful message: caring for lolo and lola should not rest on families alone. With the Philippine Geriatric Center, the nation takes a step toward ensuring that those who spent their lives caring for others will never be left behind.
