THE Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) on Monday raised the need to prepare emigrating Filipinos for the long-term health challenges of aging abroad.
In a statement on Monday, the CFO said it would integrate dementia awareness in its pre-departure orientation seminars (PDOS).
The initiative was announced during a roundtable discussion organized by the Australian-Filipino Community Service (AFCS) in Quezon City.
The CFO said it is committed to ensuring the welfare of the Filipino diaspora by providing PDOS and fostering connections to their homeland.
Key stakeholders gathered to assess current elderly care programs and develop plans to address dementia among Filipino seniors.
CFO Undersecretary Ma. Arlene Borja cited the agency’s programs designed to ensure elderly Filipinos overseas continue to receive Philippine government services despite their distance.
The CFO recognized the efforts of AFCS as a valuable partner in advocating for dementia-related health care initiatives in the Philippines and Australia.
AFCS Chaplain Normina Forteza acknowledged the CFO’s role as a conduit for implementing programs benefiting seniors.
AFCS operates the Maharlika Lodge in Melbourne, providing a space for social activities for Filipino seniors.
In the Philippines, AFCS assists more than 3,000 seniors through the “Seniors’ Walk,” held during Filipino Elderly Week to promote mental health awareness.
Other key stakeholders present included Dr. Mary Jean Loreche, former chairman of the National Commission of Senior Citizens; Dr. Maurice Sanosa of the National Center for Mental Health; Dr. Alvin Cenina, president of the Alzheimer’s Disease Association of the Philippines; Precy Cruz, a dementia nurse and AFCS trainer; and Dr. Jacqueline Dominguez, president of the Institute for Dementia Care Asia.
Borja said these CFO initiatives include support for the Expanded Centenarians Act and advocacy for health care inclusivity.
The CFO is also pushing for the portability of US Medicare benefits for Filipino retirees returning to the Philippines.
Borja also noted a recent partnership with migrant organizations, nongovernment organizations, and the Department of Migrant Workers to build a Continuing Care Retirement Community.
The pilot project in San Pablo, Laguna aims to develop a model retirement hub encouraging aging overseas Filipinos to retire in the country.
The CFO committed to providing current statistics on emigrant-related data to aid policy planning and ensuring aging Filipinos remain politically, culturally, and economically connected to the Philippines.
