Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian and development partners of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council led the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Silver Economy Innovation Gallery on Wednesday (June 3) at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

The gallery, which is part of the ASEAN High-Level Forum on Unlocking the Silver Economy, features exhibitors showcasing innovations for the ageing population. These include assistive technologies, digital health solutions, age-friendly infrastructure, financial products for older persons, community-based care models, and other relevant knowledge products responding to the needs of older persons.

Joining the DSWD chief in the ribbon-cutting ceremony were Dr. Aleksandar Sasha Bodiroza, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); Dr. Sabine Henning, Chief of the Sustainable Demographic Transition Section, Social Development Division of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP); Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) President Tetsuya Watanabe; and, DSWD Undersecretary Adonis Sulit of the Policy and Planning Group (PPG).

The DSWD, as head of the 2026 ASCC Council, prioritizes its chairship under the theme “RISE ASEAN,” which stands for Resilient and empowered families; Inclusive development; Smart youth and innovation; and an Environmentally sustainable and food-secure future. (AKDL)