Children have much to learn from their parents and grandparents. At the same time, older persons also have much to gain from their interactions with young people. It is based on this premise that the Intergenerational Program for Older Persons and Children (INTERGEN) came about.
INTERGEN is a program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) that caters to Filipino families, young and old. In this article, we will learn more about the program — its objectives, components, and how it can benefit people across generations.

What is INTERGEN?
Intergenerational Program for Older Persons and Children (INTERGEN) is a program that addresses critical problems of ageing while allowing transfer of culture across generations. For older persons, it promotes productive and active lifestyles. It also enables them to share their knowledge and skills to the younger generation in an integrated and intergenerational environment.
Objectives of the Program
Generally speaking, INTERGEN aims to enrich the lives of both young people and older persons, while also promoting intergenerational harmony between them.
Specifically, the program seeks to attain the following objectives:
- Increase community awareness on issues of both the young and old, including social problems related to the transfer of culture across generations;
- Provide intergenerational services through structured activities that would bring harmony, such as early stimulation, acquisition of basic skills, inculcation of values, and socialization for children;
- Promote understanding of shared values and respect for individuals in all stages of life;
- Develop appreciation of the rich Filipino history and cultural heritage;
- Provide opportunities for older persons and other stakeholders to participate in the economic and social educations and spiritual development activities in the communities or in the center; and
- Provide psychosocial intervention to senior citizens, children, and other members of their families.
Target Beneficiaries
The target beneficiaries of the program include: (a) children whose chronological ages are 6 months to 6 years old; (b) the youth; (c) their parents; and (d) people 60 years old above.
Components of the Program
The program consists of seven (7) main components, as follows:
1. Social Preparation
This involves a series of consultation meetings with Local Government Executives and Key Program Partners. The end result would be a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), stating the detailed commitment and support of all concerned parties.
2. Development and Mobilization of Volunteers
Volunteers are provided with opportunities to share their time and talents by participating in program activities.
3. Capacity Building
Continuing training activities are provided to implementers and clients, in order to equip them with the necessary knowledge, attitudes, and skills in implementing the intergenerational program.
4. Delivery of Services
Different types of services are provided to promote the intergenerational concept to target sectors.
5. Monitoring
This involves the tracking of activities and results based on the approved plan and budget.
6. Evaluation
This component involves the assessment of the worth, relevance, and effectiveness of the program. It also includes finding out the factors that contribute to and/or hinder the program.
7. Documentation
This involves the documentation of good practices, for the purposes of replication as well as policy enhancement.
Coverage
The INTERGEN program may be implemented anywhere in the Philippines (nationwide), especially in cities or municipalities where there are Day Care Centers or (DCC) for children as well as Senior Citizens Day Centers (SCDC). Notably, the Senior Citizens Day Center is a facility containing educational, recreational, health, and socio-cultural programs designed for the benefit of senior citizens in the locality.
As mentioned earlier, these centers are ideal venues where children and older persons can interact and mutually learn from each other. Games, storytelling, and testimonials are sample activities that people of all ages can do together.
Video: How to Register with the NCSC
Have you heard of the National Commission of Senior Citizens or NCSC? This is an agency that promotes the rights, welfare, and benefits of Filipino senior citizens. Among its main functions is to promote the advocacy of and collaboration between different stakeholders and senior citizens to ensure the effective implementation of various programs.
Every Filipino senior citizen must register with the NCSC. Watch the following video, shared by Promagtv on Facebook, for a step-by-step guide on how to register with the agency:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Meanwhile, here are some commonly asked questions and answers about the INTERGEN program:
1. What is INTERGEN?
INTERGEN stands for “Intergenerational Program for Older Persons and Children,” a program that addresses critical problems of ageing while also allowing the transfer of culture across generations.
2. What are its objectives?
The INTERGEN program generally aims to enrich the lives of both young people and older persons, while also promoting intergenerational harmony between them.
3. Who are its target beneficiaries?
The target beneficiaries of the INTERGEN program are: (a) children whose ages are between 6 months and 6 years old; (b) the youth; (c) their parents; and (d) people 60 years old above.
4. What are its components?
The components of the INTERGEN program are: social preparation; development and mobilization of volunteers; capacity building; delivery of services; monitoring; evaluation; and documentation.
5. How can I learn more about it?
You can learn more about the INTERGEN by going to the nearest DSWD Office in your area.
Contact Information: Social Technology Bureau
If you are based in the National Capital Region (NCR) and you have questions about the INTERGEN program, you can get in touch with the Social Technology Bureau (STB), which is located at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City. Its office hours are from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, from Monday to Friday.
Address: Social Technology Bureau, 3rd Floor, Matapat Building, Department of Social Welfare and Development – Central Office, IBP Road, Constitution Hills, Batasan Complex, Quezon City
Telephone: +632 8951 7124 / 8951 2802 / 8931 8144
Email: soctech@dswd.gov.ph
Website: https://stb.dswd.gov.ph/
Google Map:
Infographic About the Program
For a quick overview about the INTERGEN program, check out this infographic shared by the Social Technology Bureau of DSWD:

Final Thoughts
Indeed, there is so much that can be shared between young children and older persons. By participating in the activities of the INTERGEN program, the elderly can remain active and productive, while the young people can gain knowledge and wisdom from them.
Aside from the INTERGEN program, there are other initiatives offered by the DSWD for senior citizens. One of these is the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens or SPISC, a type of social pension that aims to improve the lives of indigent senior citizens, especially those who cannot meet their daily subsistence and medical requirements.
Another program is the Home Care Support Services for Senior Citizens or HCSSSC, a community-based program that aims to provide quality care for sick, frail, and bedridden senior citizens in their own homes. Notably, this program also involves the help of family members as well as home care volunteers.