The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga formally participated in the ceremonial turnover of the Key of Responsibility, marking the official transfer of the Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Senior Citizens (RIAC-SC) chairpersonship to the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) during the 1st NCSC Regional Advisory Body Meeting held on June 27.

This transition is in line with Section 11 of Republic Act No. 11350, otherwise known as the National Commission of Senior Citizens Act, which mandates the transfer of functions from the DSWD to the NCSC. All functions, programs, projects, and activities related to the formulation, implementation, and coordination of social welfare and development (SWD) policies and programs for poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged senior citizens, previously undertaken by the DSWD, shall now be under the purview of the NCSC.

Representing DSWD Regional Director Mari-Flor Dollaga, Assistant Regional Director for Operations Dir. Jean Paul Parajes took part in the ceremonial turnover of the key of responsibilities.

“Today, we humbly and honorably turn over the leadership of the Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Senior Citizens (RIAC-SC) to the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC). We are confident in the Commission’s more comprehensive and inclusive leadership in fulfilling our shared commitment to the senior citizen sector.”

“From womb to tomb, the Department continues to innovate and implement programs and services that aim to enhance the quality of life of our elderly,” Parajes stated.

This symbolic turnover marks not just a change in leadership, but a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to the welfare and empowerment of senior citizens. As the NCSC takes on its expanded mandate, the DSWD pledges its continued support in ensuring a smooth transition and the sustained delivery of services.