The National Commission of Senior Citizens and three other government agencies have recently sealed an agreement that will help guarantee that benefits from government programs crafted for senior citizens will be enjoyed by them.

NCSC Chairman Franklin Quijano said the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 1, Series of 2023 will make sure that the programs financed from government allocations directed to senior citizens welfare will effectively benefit the elderly and persons with disabilities in the country.

Most vital among the programs are those funded by the one percent allocation set aside by state agencies for senior citizen projects.

Quijano, together with representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Budget and Management and the National Council on Disability Affairs signed JMC No. 1-23 on December 15.

Provided in the memorandum circular is the guidelines on the proper reporting, monitoring and utilization of funds for projects, programs and activities for the welfare of senior citizens and persons with disability (PWD).

It also states provisions on the reporting and monitoring process of all agencies of the government toward the judicious implementation of Section 36 of the General Provisions under Fiscal Year 2023 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

“All agencies of the government shall formulate plans, programs, and projects intended to address the concerns of Senior Citizens and Persons with Disability, in so far, as it relates to their mandated functions and integrate the same in their regular activities,” the JMC read.

The JMC also mandates collaboration among the four government agencies to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the provision of the GAA, which requires all agencies of the government to coordinate plans, programs, and projects that will address the concerns of senior citizens and PWD.

Quijano said the JMC applies to all national government agencies, executive departments, bureaus, offices, agencies, commissions, state universities, and colleges, as well as government financial institutions, government-owned and/or controlled corporations, and local government units.