Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. “33

Introduced by REP. RODOLFO “OMPONG” M. ORDANES

AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE NATIONAL HEALTH PROGRAM FOR SENIOR
CITIZENS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7432, AS
AMENDED, ENTITLED “AN ACT TO MAXIMIZE THE CONTRIBUTION OF
SENIOR CITIZENS TO NATION BUILDING, GRANT BENEFITS AND
SPECIAL PRIVILEGES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The population of senior citizens in the Philippines continues to grow significantly.
As of 2023, senior citizens (those aged 60 and above) comprise around 9.7 million or
roughly 8.8% of the total Philippine population, according to estimates from the
Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). This demographic shift presents challenges and
opportunities, particularly in public health and social protection.

Republic Act No. 7432, as amended, was enacted to recognize the invaluable
contribution of senior citizens to nation-building and to grant them benefits and
privileges to ensure their well-being. However, the evolving needs of the elderly,
especially in health and nutrition, necessitate a stronger and more focused approach.

This bill seeks to strengthen the national health program for senior citizens by
institutionalizing a comprehensive nutrition and wellness program, creating geriatric
wards in government hospitals, and requiring local government units (LGUs) to
integrate these health initiatives into their regular programs for seniors.


It mandates the Department of Health (DOH), in coordination with LGUs, non-
government organizations, and people’s organizations for senior citizens, to
implement an integrated health service specifically designed for the elderly. It also
provides for establishing a “senior citizens’ ward” in every government hospital to
ensure age-appropriate care. The National Nutrition Council, in collaboration with the
DOH and LGUs, is directed to prepare and disseminate a comprehensive nutrition
and wellness program tailored to the needs of senior citizens. Furthermore, LGUs and
the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) are tasked with conducting regular home
visits to senior citizens, integrating the wellness program in their services, and

submitting monthly progress reports to the DOH.

With the increased incidence of age-related diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes,
and visual impairment, among Filipino seniors, access to preventive and geriatric care
is not just a health issue but a matter of dignity and equity. The implementation of this
Act will enable our aging population to live healthier, more meaningful lives, while
also reducing the burden on families and the healthcare system.

This measure was already approved on Third and Final Reading in the House of
Representatives and has been transmitted to the Senate for its concurrence during the

19th Congress.

As such, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

RODOLFO “O! M. ORDANES


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bit No. 433

Introduced by REP. RODOLFO “OMPONG” M. ORDANES

AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE NATIONAL HEALTH PROGRAM FOR SENIOR
CITIZENS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7432, AS
AMENDED, ENTITLED “AN ACT TO MAXIMIZE THE CONTRIBUTION OF
SENIOR CITIZENS TO NATION BUILDING, GRANT BENEFITS AND
SPECIAL PRIVILEGES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress

assembled:

SECTION 1. Section 5 (c) of Republic Act No. 7432, as amended, is further
amended as follows:
“SEC. 5. Government Assistance. - The government shall provide the
following:
(a) xxx
(b) xxx
(©) Health
“The DOH, in coordination with local government units (LGUs),
NGOs and POs for senior citizens, shall institute a national health program
and shall provide an integrated health service for senior citizens. It shall
train community-based health workers among senior citizens and health
personnel to specialize in the geriatric care and health problems of senior
citizens.


“The national health program for senior citizens THAT INCLUDES
ACOMPREHENSIVE NUTRITION AND WELLNESS PROGRAM shall,
among others, be harmonized with the National Prevention of Blindness
Program of the DOH.

“Throughout the country, there shall be established a “senior citizens’
ward” in every government hospital. This geriatric ward shall be for the
exclusive use of senior citizens who are in need of hospital confinement by
reason of their health conditions. However, when urgency of public
necessity or emergency purposes so require, such geriatric ward may be
used for emergency purposes, after which, such “senior citizens’ ward”
shall be reverted to its nature as geriatric ward.

“THE NATIONAL NUTRITION COUNCIL SHALL, IN
COORDINATION WITH THE DOH AND LGUS, PREPARE THE
COMPREHENSIVE NUTRITION AND WELLNESS PROGRAM FOR
DISSEMINATION TO SENIOR CITIZENS TO SERVE AS GUIDE FOR
THEIR HEALTHY LIVING.

“THE LGUS SHALL, THROUGH THE LOCAL HEALTH
PERSONNEL, REGULARLY VISIT EVERY SENIOR CITIZEN WITHIN
‘THEIR JURISDICTION AS PLATFORM FOR PRIMARY CARE AND
TO ADDRESS CHALLENGES AS WELL AS FOLLOW THROUGH ON
COMPLIANCE TO A HEALTHY DIET IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
COMPREHENSIVE NUTRITION AND WELLNESS PROGRAM
APPROPRIATE TO THEIR HEALTH CONDITIONS.

“LIKEWISE, THE LGUS SHALL, THROUGH THE OFFICE FOR
THE SENIOR CITIZENS AFFAIRS (OSCA), INTEGRATE THE
COMPREHENSIVE NUTRITION AND WELLNESS PROGRAM IN
THEIR RESPECTIVE PROGRAMS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS. THE
OSCA SHALL SUBMIT A MONTHLY REPORT ON THE STATUS OF
THE NUTRITION AND WELLNESS PROGRAM TO THE DOH.”

SEC. 2. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of

the Interior and Local Government shall, in consultation with the National Nutrition


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Council and Secretary of Health, promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for
the effective implementation of this Act.

SEC. 3. All laws, presidential decrees, issuances, executive orders, letters of
instruction, rules or regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with or contrary to the
provisions of this Act are repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 4. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,