Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has filed legislation to establish nursing homes for senior citizens in every region of the country, aiming to address the specialized healthcare needs of the growing elderly population.

Senate Bill No. 1779, also known as the Nursing Home for Senior Citizens (NHSC) Act, was filed Monday and the measure seeks to institutionalize facilities that provide long-term care, rehabilitation, and palliative services for seniors suffering from chronic illnesses or cognitive impairments.

“Elderly individuals often suffer from chronic illnesses due to their advanced age,” Go said in a statement. “Their conditions often manifest in functional decline and cognitive impairments, which require long-term care.”

As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Go stressed that the bill is part of a broader effort to make healthcare more accessible to vulnerable sectors. He cited that the nursing homes would provide a structured environment for seniors who require medical attention and daily support services.

The senator stated that the proposed measure is a “clear testament to our compassion and recognition of the important role of senior citizens in our society.”

The NHSC Act builds upon several existing laws and pending measures aimed at elderly welfare. Go cited the National Commission of Senior Citizens Act (Republic Act 11350) and his co-authorship of the law increasing the social pension for indigent seniors (RA 11916).

He also linked the proposal to the Philippine Geriatric Center Act, which recently passed its third reading in the Senate, and the Regional Specialty Centers Act (RA 11959). The latter already mandates the creation of geriatric specialty care within Department of Health hospitals.

“Through this, we can ensure that there will be a facility dedicated to the needs of our grandfathers and grandmothers,” Go said.