A group of people representing government and non-government and people’s organization met in 1989 under the sponsorship of HelpAge International.  Philippine culture has a tradition of both respecting older people to form Community Based Programs to confront important issues.  The combination of the two has resulted in an organization and program that focuses on keeping older people in the community who continue to contribute to the life of their community.  

Since that time COSE has supported the formation of Community Based Programs around the country