Real Talk

Care for Lolos and Lolas: New Senate Bill Proposes Specialized Geriatric Hospital

by Alexa Villano
September 5, 2025

Senator Risa Hontiveros proposes upgrading the National Center for Geriatric Health into a tertiary specialty hospital for Filipino seniors

For many Filipino families, grandparents are the heart of the home. Their wisdom, care, and presence are deeply valued — which is why so many households choose to care for them in their later years. But not all senior citizens are fortunate enough to have this support, especially those battling health conditions.

A report from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) estimates that there are 12.3 million senior citizens in the country. Alarmingly, a 2019 PSA report revealed that more than half — 55% — of Filipino seniors do not receive any pension. About 23% rely on pensions from the private sector, while only 6% receive government support. Around 16% survive on as little as PHP 500 a month.

This data is one of the driving forces behind Senate Bill No. 1302, filed by Senator Risa Hontiveros. The proposed legislation seeks to transform the National Center for Geriatric Health in Manila into a tertiary specialty hospital — a first of its kind on the health needs of Filipino seniors.

The Bill: What It Proposes

In her statement, Senator Hontiveros underscored the importance of accessible and specialized healthcare for the elderly.

“Malaking ginhawa para sa ating mga lolo’t lola kung magkaroon ng specialized na ospital na tututok sa kanilang kalusugan,” she explained. “Kailangan ng ating mga seniors ng specialized care na madalas ay hindi accessible sa kanila dahil kulang ang kakayanan at pasilidad sa mga health center at pampublikong ospital.”

If passed, the Philippine Geriatric Center (PGC) will not only provide comprehensive medical care for the elderly but also become a hub for scientific research, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and preventive care tailored specifically for senior citizens.

The bill also proposes establishing regional geriatric centers across the country to ensure that care is accessible nationwide, not just in Metro Manila.

Impact: On Families and Health Workers

In addition to addressing senior health care needs, the bill includes provisions for:

Scholarships and incentives for students in geriatrics
Continuing professional development for health workers specializing in elderly care

Senator Hontiveros emphasized that the bill could also help address the shortage of medical professionals trained in geriatric medicine.

“Ang mga lolo’t lola natin ang ilan sa mga naging sandigan natin sa ating paglaki. Ngayong tumatanda na sila at dumarami ang mga sakit, bigyan rin natin sila ng institusyon na maasahan para bantayan ang kanilang kalusugan.”

This proposal is part of a broader initiative by Hontiveros, who has also filed other bills focused on additional benefits, incentives, and access to essential medicines for senior citizens.

Why This Matters to Families

For many Filipino families — especially those living below the poverty line — the cost of caring for elderly loved ones is a growing concern. From medications to regular check-ups and hospitalizations, elder care can place a heavy financial and emotional burden on caregivers.

The proposed PGC could offer long-term relief for families struggling to support their aging parents or grandparents, ensuring that quality elder care is not a privilege, but a right.

While the bill still needs to undergo further review, especially in light of inflation and budgetary concerns, it signals an important step forward in prioritizing elder care in the country.

Now, more than ever, families need support systems that honor and care for the people who once cared for us. The Philippine Geriatric Center could be a step in that direction.