CPD seeks review of policies for elderly as PH tackles ‘aging population’
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) on Tuesday called for an assessment of policies on aging as it pointed out that 11 percent of the country’s total population will be composed of individuals older than 60 years old by 2030.
In a statement, CPD Executive Director Lisa Grace Bersales said that as the Philippines begins its transition to an “aging population” – when at least 7 percent of Filipinos are 65 years old and above – the country is also presented with an opportunity to achieve “silver dividend.”
Silver dividend refers to the social and economic benefits that can be gleaned from the experience, skills and continued participation of the older and healthy population, the agency explained.
“CPD believes that every individual and every community should be included and no one should be left behind, especially our older persons,” Bersales said.
“As Filipinos live longer and healthier lives, they can continue to contribute to the economy, creating new opportunities for progress,” she noted.
“Let us work together to optimize and tap into the experience, skills and wisdom of our ageing population, driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for all,” she added.
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The CPD said the need to identify the gaps and gains in the country’s policies on aging comes with the holding of the Consultation for the Promotion of Policies on Ageing in the Philippines in Manila on Feb. 3, Tuesday, until Feb. 5, Thursday.
“This national consultation in February is a pivotal moment to reinvigorate our commitment and efforts, ensuring our policies empower older Filipinos to live with security, dignity and continued contribution to society,” said Bernales.
The event, co-organized by CPD together with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, aims to assess the country’s implementation of policies on aging and formulate strategies in line with the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA).
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The international agreement was adopted in 2002 and has three priority directions, which includes the continued economic and social participation of older persons, advancement of health-care and well-being, and establishment of supportive and enabling environments for the elderly.
According to Bernales, the three priority directions of MIPAA are echoed in the current Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action 2023-2028.
Fulfilling this plan is “not just a demographic necessity but a fundamental commitment to inclusive development, social justice and the human rights of all Filipinos as they age,” said the CPD. /apl
