Priest calls for greater support systems for elderly Filipinos

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — The director of a foundation focused on elderly care has appealed for a comprehensive shift in how Filipino society approaches the welfare of its aging population. Father Andy Peter Lubi, who heads the Hapag Aruga Foundation Inc., made the call during remarks in the provincial capital, highlighting concerns that elderly Filipinos risk being marginalized as economic pressures drive migration and reshape household compositions.

The priest's appeal addresses a growing challenge facing the Philippines as more working-age adults move to urban centers or seek employment abroad in search of better economic opportunities. This demographic shift has disrupted traditional multi-generational households where elderly family members were typically cared for by younger relatives.

Lubi emphasized that responsibility for senior citizens extends beyond individual families to encompass communities and formal institutions. He stressed the need for coordinated efforts to ensure older Filipinos receive adequate support, including social services, healthcare access and meaningful engagement within their communities.

The foundation's advocacy reflects broader concerns among religious and social service organizations about the changing social fabric affecting vulnerable populations. As the Philippines continues to experience rapid urbanization and labor migration, civil society groups are increasingly calling for policy frameworks and cultural initiatives that prioritize the dignity and security of elderly citizens.