The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) announced plans to assist qualified Filipino senior citizens by providing them with training and job opportunities in the tourism sector. This initiative stems from a collaborative agreement established with the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), formally signed on May 21st.

Through this collaboration, the DOT intends to utilize its regional offices to include senior citizens in their tourism stakeholder training programs.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco stated: “Senior citizens simply need to reach out to our regional offices or the NCSC to be included in our training modules.”

Tailored for Willing Participants
Currently, the NCSC is performing a “needs assessment” to customize the training program for eligible participants.

Once officially launched, NCSC’s officer-in-charge and chairperson Mary Jean Loreche indicated that any senior citizen must simply be physically and mentally fit to qualify for the training program.

Loreche remarked in Filipino: “Every region has its tourist destinations, so if seniors want to become tour guides or work in resorts and hotels, that’s also possible. This initiative presents many opportunities for them.”

Apart from training, the MOU aims to assist the DOT in developing more inclusive policies that acknowledge the needs of senior travelers. It will also encourage the creation of infrastructure and tourism products that cater to this demographic.

Frasco emphasized: “We plan to ensure that there are not just discounts, but also expanded opportunities for seniors to enjoy various tourism offerings in our programs.”

The Secretary highlighted that this new agreement enhances the existing partnership between DOT and NCSC, emphasizing its ongoing and permanent nature.