QUEZON CITY – The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) hosted a policy forum titled, “Silver Economy in Action: Advancing Active Ageing and Employment Opportunities for Senior Citizens” on 12 December 2025 at the ILS Conference Room in Quezon City, with simultaneous live streaming via Zoom and Facebook Live.

The forum highlighted how existing policies and programs for senior citizens are being translated into concrete actions that promote age-inclusive and enabling workplaces. It also showcased practical initiatives implemented by government agencies, local government units (LGUs), private sector partners, and senior citizen organizations aimed at supporting employment, active ageing, and the meaningful participation of older persons in the labor market.

In her opening remarks, ILS Executive Director III Jeanette T. Damo emphasized the growing relevance of the silver economy in the workplace. “The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs projects that by 2032, the Philippines will be identified as one of the countries with an ageing population. This underscores the need for stronger support systems for senior citizens, particularly in terms of health care and income security. Our goal is to look beyond statistics and examine how policies are being transformed into real-world, age-inclusive practices,” Executive Director Damo said.

A key segment of the forum featured a short testimonial from Ms. Teresita T. Flores, a 72-year-old senior citizen and beneficiary of the Quezon City local government’s programs for the elderly. She shared how these initiatives positively impacted her employment opportunities and overall well-being.

To provide a broader context on the silver economy and active ageing, Ms. Katherine Grace M. Lagunday, Division Chief of National Commission of Senior Citizens’ Senior Citizens' Action for Development and Nation-Building (NCSC-SECADNA), presented the Commission’s programs and employment services for the ageing population.

The presentation was followed by a fireside chat that discussed how government and private institutions can further advance active ageing for senior citizens. The panel also  featured Ms. Koree Monteloyola-Cañizares, Founder and CEO of Techie Seniors PH, who shared her advocacy and efforts to empower seniors through technology; and Ms. Marell B. Azucena, a Registered Social Worker from the Office for the Senior Citizens’ Affairs – Quezon City, who discussed their programs, initiatives, and partnerships with private institutions to promote employment facilitation for senior citizens.

The policy forum reflects the Institute’s continued commitment to fostering dialogue, supporting evidence-based policymaking, and promoting practical solutions for inclusive employment, particularly for vulnerable sectors such as senior citizens.

The full webinar may be accessed through the ILS Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1FSfw7qt2u/.

###