In a progressive move that challenges workplace age discrimination, Carelon Global Solutions Philippines is actively hiring senior citizens across its operations, with more than 20 employees aged 60 and above currently contributing to various business units.
Breaking Age Barriers in Philippine Workforce
The company's commitment to inclusive hiring comes as the Philippines moves toward becoming an aging population by 2030, according to the Commission on Population Development. Carelon Global Solutions Philippines has demonstrated that older workers remain highly capable and productive when given equal opportunities.
Nicki Agcaoili, chief country executive of Carelon Global Solutions Philippines, emphasized that age has never been a consideration in their hiring decisions. "We have proven in our organization that age is just a number," Agcaoili stated. "We have more than 20 senior citizen employees across various lines of business, from customer care representatives to medical management, and even in our leadership team."
Inspiring Stories of Senior Employees
Among the success stories is 68-year-old Apolinaria, known as Narie to her colleagues. After returning to the Philippines in 2017 following eight years as an overseas nurse, she faced repeated rejections from hospitals and clinics due to her age. Carelon eventually hired her as a medical management nurse, enabling her to continue practicing her profession remotely while helping provide high-quality and cost-effective healthcare.
Another senior employee, 64-year-old Efleda, shared her initial skepticism about being hired at her age. "Initially, I was thinking that the agency was just trying to meet some kind of quota, that it would be a far cry for me to get hired because of my age. Lo and behold, this was the first hiring company that did not ask for my date of birth or my age," she revealed.
Efleda, who had no previous experience working in a contact center environment, praised the company's supportive atmosphere. "Learning to work here was like learning the ABC in first grade. Everyone was ready to help me, supportive, and there when I reached out for help. No one made snide comments about me being old or being slow. They just accepted me, unconditionally, and this provided me with emotional stability."
Systemic Approach to Inclusive Hiring
According to Mary Ann Batallones, head of Talent Acquisition, Carelon maintains no specific program targeting senior citizen applicants. Instead, the company's longstanding policy of hiring based solely on qualifications naturally welcomes older workers. "For us, it has always been an unspoken default to hire whoever was qualified. Since we have no age limitation specified in our profile, our process allows us to hire senior citizens and persons with disabilities," Batallones explained.
The company's Facilities and Admin director, identified only as Ding, emphasized that older employees remain strong and capable learners. "What drew me to this company was its genuine commitment to inclusivity, especially its thoughtful approach to senior citizens. Whether it's through accessible facilities, community outreach, or digital literacy initiatives, I saw an opportunity to contribute to something meaningful," Ding shared.
Technical writer Boyet echoed this sentiment, noting that the inclusive work culture and the company's support systems were key factors in his decision to join Carelon.
Care as Corporate DNA
Agcaoili highlighted that the company's culture is fundamentally anchored on genuine care for its employees and the communities they serve. "Care is in our DNA," she affirmed. "When our associates feel the care coming from the organization and the leaders, that care enables them to be the best version of themselves. Care also then translates outward into the work we do and the services we deliver to our clients."
The company's global commitment to inclusivity was further demonstrated when Carelon Global Solutions president Rajat Puri joined executives and associates in the Philippines during the organization's global town hall in September.
Carelon continues to hire qualified applicants across its business units, maintaining its position as a leader in inclusive employment practices in the Philippines. Interested individuals may visit the company's Facebook and LinkedIn pages for recruitment updates and opportunities.
