Kalma Villas CCRC Joins Historic First Philippine Long-Term Care Summit
July 13, 2026 marked a significant milestone for the future of senior living and long-term care in the Philippines as healthcare leaders, government agencies, policymakers, academic institutions, and care providers gathered for the First Philippine Long-Term Care Summit at the Unilab Bayanihan Center.
Co-hosted by the Long-Term Care Association of the Philippines (LTCAP) and the UNILAB Foundation, the inaugural summit served as a platform to strengthen collaboration and advance a more sustainable, integrated long-term care system for the country's growing aging population.
As the Philippines' first Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), Kalma Villas was honored to participate in this landmark event. The summit also marked another important milestone for the organization, with Kalma Villas CEO Architect Kaydee Velasco serving as Vice President and one of the founding officers of the Long-Term Care Association of the Philippines (LTCAP), helping establish an organization dedicated to advancing long-term care standards, policy, education, and innovation nationwide.
Addressing the State of Long-Term Care
The summit opened with welcome remarks from Dr. Divinagracia Salonga, President of the Philippine Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics, followed by a series of expert presentations examining the country's current long-term care landscape.
Prof. Angely P. Garcia, RN, MPH of the University of the Philippines' Institute on Aging presented a Situational and Capability Analysis of Long-Term Care in the Philippines, sharing research findings that highlighted current challenges and opportunities in strengthening elder care services.
This was followed by Dr. Wenceslao Llauderes, Medical Center Chief of Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center and Chair of the Department of Health Technical Working Group for Geriatrics Specialty Centers, who discussed the Potential Role of Specialty Centers for Geriatric Care in DOH Regional Hospitals in Establishing Long-Term Care Programs across the country.
Building Stronger Partnerships
One of the summit's highlights was the keynote panel, "Building Alliance in Long-Term Care," moderated by Dr. Miguel Ramos, President of LTCAP.
The panel brought together leaders from both government and healthcare organizations, including:
Dr. Melissa T. Sena, Director IV of the Department of Health's Health Facility Development Bureau (HFDB)
Representative Mila Magsaysay, United Seniors Party-list
Atty. Edwin L. Dimatatac, MD, Regional Director for MIMAROPA of the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC)
Ms. Noehl D. Bautista, Marketing Department Manager III, Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA)
Assistant Secretary Rodolfo M. Santos, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
The discussion emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration in creating accessible, sustainable, and person-centered long-term care services for Filipino older adults.
Showcasing Models of Senior Living
The afternoon session featured the official LTCAP Launch and Announcement of Technical Working Groups, followed by a message of support from Atty. Jose Maria Ochave, Executive Director of the UNILAB Foundation.
Organizations representing various models of long-term care were also invited to present their initiatives during the Project Showcase, highlighting innovative approaches to senior living and care in the Philippines.
As the country's first Continuing Care Retirement Community, Kalma Villas CCRC presented its integrated model of independent living, wellness, healthcare, and lifelong support. Other featured organizations included Cheers Regional Retirement Facility, Oasis Assisted Living, La Verna Dementia Village, and Camillus Medhaven, each contributing unique perspectives to the evolving long-term care landscape.
Shaping the Future of Aging in the Philippines
The First Philippine Long-Term Care Summit underscored the growing need for collaboration among government, healthcare providers, educators, and private organizations to prepare for the country's aging population.
For Kalma Villas CCRC, participation in this historic event reflects its ongoing commitment to helping shape the future of senior living in the Philippines through innovation, collaboration, and a shared vision of enabling every Filipino to age with dignity, purpose, independence, and the right support at every stage of life.
As discussions continue through LTCAP and its working groups, Kalma Villas remains committed to contributing to the advancement of long-term care and building communities where older adults can truly thrive.
