The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), the government agency that serves Filipinos permanently residing abroad, is planning to include dementia awareness in its Pre-Departure Orientation Seminars (PDOS) to better prepare emigrating Filipinos for long-term health challenges later in life.
The proposal was discussed during a roundtable meeting organised by the Australian-Filipino Community Service (AFCS) in Quezon City. Health professionals, migrant advocates and government representatives gathered to review elderly care initiatives and explore ways to address dementia among Filipino seniors.
CFO Undersecretary Ma. Arlene S. Borja said the agency is strengthening its programs to ensure elderly Filipinos overseas continue to receive Philippine government services despite living abroad.
The PDOS is mandatory for Filipino emigrants before departure. By including dementia awareness in the seminars, the CFO aims to provide future migrants with information about age-related conditions and available support systems.
Beyond updating PDOS content, the CFO also committed to sharing updated emigrant-related statistics to support policy planning. The agency reiterated its goal of helping overseas Filipinos remain socially, culturally and economically connected to the Philippines.
Borja cited existing initiatives supporting senior citizens, including backing for the Expanded Centenarians Act and advocacy for healthcare inclusivity. She also referred to efforts pushing for the portability of U.S. Medicare benefits for Filipino retirees who return to the Philippines.
The CFO has partnered with migrant organisations, non-government organisations and the Department of Migrant Workers to help develop a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). A pilot project in San Pablo, Laguna, is being explored as a model retirement hub for overseas Filipinos who may wish to retire in the country.
The commission acknowledged AFCS for its work in advocating dementia-related healthcare initiatives in both the Philippines and Australia.
In Melbourne, AFCS operates Maharlika Lodge, which provides social activities and community support for Filipino seniors. In the Philippines, the organisation assists more than 3,000 elderly individuals through initiatives such as the “Seniors’ Walk,” held during Filipino Elderly Week to promote mental health awareness.
AFCS Chaplain Normina Forteza said the CFO plays an important role in implementing programs that benefit Filipino seniors.
Other participants in the roundtable included Dr. Mary Jean Loreche, former chairperson 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; Ms. Precy Cruz, a dementia nurse and AFCS trainer; and Dr. Jacqueline Dominguez, president of the Institute for Dementia Care Asia.
