24 Senior Citizens Trained as Community Tour Guides in Intramuros

Twenty-four senior citizens have completed the Community Tour Guiding Seminar organized by the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Intramuros, Manila, on Friday, 03 October 2025.

Senior citizen participants immersed themselves in a weeklong learning, hands-on training, demonstrations, and critiquing sessions where they confidently showcased their tour guiding skills.

The training covered various topics, including Filipino Brand of Service Excellence, Philippine Culture, History and Attractions of Intramuros, Guiding Techniques, Commentary Development, and Presentation Skills.

These sessions deepened the participants’ appreciation of Filipino values, national identity, and cultural heritage, which are key foundations for effective community tour guiding.

DOT-NCR Tourism Planning Unit Head Ms. Bamba Ramos, Ms. Deceree Omoso of Intramuros Administration, and Mr. Pedro B. Young, Jr. of Uni-Orient Travel and Tours provided feedback on each participant's guiding style and visitor engagement techniques.

To cap off the program, participants took a final assessment    and    were   awarded   certificates    of completion. The following participants stood out and received special recognition for their exceptional performance:

Mr. Agustin Villanueva – Most Curious Award

Ms. Bambie Wilma G. Limlengco – Calm and Collected Award

Mr. Gerardo Medina – Most Confident Award

Ms. Ma. Jerissa Sunico – Best in Individual Presentation

Mr. Edgardo M. Satira – Most Promising Tour Guide Award

“Sana po ay maging tinig po ninyo kami [mga senior citizens], na nagpapatun

ay na kami po ay mayroon pa ring kakayahan kahit kami ay mga retired sa kung saan-saang propesyon. We are here to show that we are resilient and we could be part of an active society,” senior citizen participant Edgardo M. Satira shared.

After this training, selected participants will undergo an accreditation process to become official DOT-accredited community tour guides in Intramuros.

With this initiative, the NCSC and DOT continue to open doors of opportunity for the Filipino elderly, proving that passion, purpose, and service know no age. ■