NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Tourism For All: DOT And NCSC Team Up To Empower Senior Citizens Across The Philippines
Photo courtesy from PTV
In a heartwarming move that champions inclusivity and respect for the elderly, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) signed a meaningful partnership on May 21, 2025. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was sealed at the DOT Building in Makati City, marking the start of a three-year journey focused on empowering our senior citizens through tourism.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and NCSC OIC Chairperson Dr. Mary Jean Loreche led the ceremonial signing, joined by officials from both agencies. But this wasn’t just a typical handshake and photo-op event—it symbolized a powerful commitment to making the tourism sector more inclusive, age-friendly, and empowering for elderly Filipinos.
“This partnership isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s a promise,” said Dr. Loreche. “It’s a commitment to inclusion, to listening to the wisdom of our elderly, and to giving them meaningful roles in society.”
The MOU lays out plans to build elderly-friendly infrastructure, support livelihood development, and create tourism programs that are both enjoyable and empowering for seniors. Think guided nature walks, community-based tours, workshops, and businesses run by seniors themselves.
Secretary Frasco emphasized that tourism should serve everyone, especially those who often get overlooked. “Our vision for Philippine tourism is one where no one is left behind,” she said. “Senior citizens have so much to offer—wisdom, experience, and deep cultural knowledge.”
So, what’s next? A Joint Technical Working Group and Project Steering Committee will oversee the rollout of nationwide programs. The DOT will take the lead in identifying tourism sites and creating opportunities tailored for senior citizens—from skills development workshops to livelihood training. Meanwhile, the NCSC will help identify communities and seniors who can benefit, ensuring each initiative is targeted, inclusive, and effective.
Also present to show their support were NCSC Commissioners Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, Edwin Espejo, Enriqueta Rodeles, Dr. Ida Yap-Patron, and Acting Executive Director Emmanuel Daez. On the DOT’s side, key officials including Undersecretaries Maria Rica Bueno and Myra Paz-Abubakar, Assistant Secretaries Czarina Zara-Loyola and Ronald Conopio, Atty. Glenn Albert Ocampo, and Director Alven Talisic joined Secretary Frasco.
Together, DOT and NCSC hope to shift the narrative around aging—transforming senior citizens from passive recipients of services to active contributors to nation-building. With this partnership, our elderly can look forward to a more inclusive, empowering, and dignified future in the tourism space.
Because really, who better to tell our country’s stories than those who’ve lived them?
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and NCSC OIC Chairperson Dr. Mary Jean Loreche led the ceremonial signing, joined by officials from both agencies. But this wasn’t just a typical handshake and photo-op event—it symbolized a powerful commitment to making the tourism sector more inclusive, age-friendly, and empowering for elderly Filipinos.
“This partnership isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s a promise,” said Dr. Loreche. “It’s a commitment to inclusion, to listening to the wisdom of our elderly, and to giving them meaningful roles in society.”
The MOU lays out plans to build elderly-friendly infrastructure, support livelihood development, and create tourism programs that are both enjoyable and empowering for seniors. Think guided nature walks, community-based tours, workshops, and businesses run by seniors themselves.
Secretary Frasco emphasized that tourism should serve everyone, especially those who often get overlooked. “Our vision for Philippine tourism is one where no one is left behind,” she said. “Senior citizens have so much to offer—wisdom, experience, and deep cultural knowledge.”
So, what’s next? A Joint Technical Working Group and Project Steering Committee will oversee the rollout of nationwide programs. The DOT will take the lead in identifying tourism sites and creating opportunities tailored for senior citizens—from skills development workshops to livelihood training. Meanwhile, the NCSC will help identify communities and seniors who can benefit, ensuring each initiative is targeted, inclusive, and effective.
Also present to show their support were NCSC Commissioners Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, Edwin Espejo, Enriqueta Rodeles, Dr. Ida Yap-Patron, and Acting Executive Director Emmanuel Daez. On the DOT’s side, key officials including Undersecretaries Maria Rica Bueno and Myra Paz-Abubakar, Assistant Secretaries Czarina Zara-Loyola and Ronald Conopio, Atty. Glenn Albert Ocampo, and Director Alven Talisic joined Secretary Frasco.
Together, DOT and NCSC hope to shift the narrative around aging—transforming senior citizens from passive recipients of services to active contributors to nation-building. With this partnership, our elderly can look forward to a more inclusive, empowering, and dignified future in the tourism space.
Because really, who better to tell our country’s stories than those who’ve lived them?
May 21, 2025
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