Philippine Geriatric Center Approved: A Lifeline for Senior Citizens

MANILA (February 4) — The Senate on Monday approved a landmark measure creating the Philippine Geriatric Center (PGC), a specialized hospital aimed at providing comprehensive, dignified, and accessible healthcare for senior citizens, responding to the growing needs of the country’s aging population.

Senate Bill No. 1509 passed unanimously with 23 affirmative votes, marking a major step toward addressing the chronic shortage of geriatric specialists and dedicated elder-care facilities.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros, principal sponsor of the bill, highlighted the humanitarian urgency of the initiative. “We cannot ignore that as life expectancy rises, illnesses such as diabetes, dementia, and arthritis also increase. Our elders deserve care that preserves their health, dignity, and well-being,” she said.

Why the PGC matters

The Philippines is seeing a rapidly aging population. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA):

• In 2025, there were an estimated 10.5 million Filipinos aged 60 and above, accounting for 9.3% of the population.
• By 2040, seniors are projected to make up around 14% of the population, increasing the demand for specialized healthcare.
• Chronic and degenerative illnesses—including diabetes, hypertension, dementia, and arthritis—are rising among older Filipinos, while the number of geriatricians in the country remains critically low.

“These numbers underscore the urgent need for a dedicated facility that can provide medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term support for older persons,” Hontiveros said.

Comprehensive care for the elderly

The PGC is designed to offer medical, diagnostic, rehabilitative, wellness, and long-term care services tailored for senior citizens. It will include age-friendly wards, rehabilitation and memory care units, palliative and end-of-life services, and disaster-resilient facilities to ensure safety and accessibility.

Beyond patient care, the hospital will serve as a teaching and research hub, training more geriatric specialists and supporting studies on aging-related diseases. It will also develop standards for elder-sensitive health services in coordination with government agencies, local governments, and private stakeholders.

Access and equity

The measure integrates the PGC into the Universal Health Care system, giving priority to indigent and low-income senior citizens, while a National Geriatric Health Registry will guide policy and planning through data-driven decisions.

Funding for the center will be drawn from existing DOH allocations, with future budgets to be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. Lawmakers mandated the construction and operationalization within five to seven years, under congressional oversight.

A milestone for elder care in the Philippines

Experts and advocates say the approval of the PGC represents a humanitarian and policy milestone, recognizing the right of older Filipinos to specialized, dignified, and continuous care. With the senior population projected to grow rapidly, the center is expected to play a critical role in improving the health, safety, and quality of life of older citizens nationwide.