SEN. Mark Villar on Tuesday urged his colleagues to fast-track the approval of the proposed Philippine Geriatric Center Act, saying the measure moved closer to passage after the Senate concluded its period of interpellations in December 2025.
Villar, the principal author and co-sponsor of the bill, said that the proposed legislation is ready for its second and third readings.
These critical stages in the legislative process could lead to the establishment of a dedicated national facility for elderly health care and the enhancement of geriatric services throughout the country.
“This measure is about protecting the dignity of our seniors and easing the burden on families who care for them,” Villar said. “With the number of older Filipinos expected to grow in the coming years, we must strengthen our health system so it can respond to the unique needs of aging.”
The bill seeks to establish the Philippine Geriatric Center as a tertiary specialty hospital under the Department of Health (DOH).
Once enacted, the center is envisioned to serve as the country’s leading institution for geriatric medicine, research, and the training of health care professionals specializing in age-related illnesses and long-term care.
In addition to creating the facility, the proposed law mandates closer coordination among the DOH, local government units (LGUs), and other stakeholders to expand and integrate health services for senior citizens.
These services encompass preventive care, rehabilitation, and interdisciplinary treatment for chronic and degenerative conditions commonly linked to aging.
The measure also provides for research initiatives and capacity-building programs aimed at developing a skilled health care workforce capable of addressing the complex medical, psychological and social needs of older persons.
Villar said the passage of the bill would help improve access to specialized care for senior citizens, reduce hospitalization-related costs for families, and reinforce the government’s commitment to protecting the welfare of the country’s growing elderly population.
He called on fellow lawmakers to support the swift approval of the measure, stressing that investments in geriatric health care are long-term investments in Filipino families and national well-being.
