DOT and NCSC Collaborate to Transform Philippine Tourism into a Platform for Senior Citizen Empowerment

The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) marked a significant milestone in inclusive governance and nation-building with the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 21 May 2025 at 6th Floor, Multipurpose Hall, DOT Building, Makati City.

The MOU, signed by DOT Secretary Ma. Esperanza Christina Garcia Frasco and NCSC OIC Chairperson and CEO Dr. Mary Jean P. Loreche, outlines a three-year partnership to implement programs that promote elderly-friendly infrastructure, livelihood development, and community-based tourism opportunities.

According to Dr. Loreche, the MOA signing is more than just a formal agreement but also a commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and respect for the senior citizens. This partnership opens doors for livelihood opportunities for the elderly, allowing them to share their wisdom, talents, and rich cultural heritage within the tourism industry.

Moreover, Secretary Frasco emphasized that tourism must serve all sectors of society. She highlighted the vision for the tourism sector that leaves no one behind, including the senior citizens, who have so much to offer in terms of wisdom, experience, and cultural depth.

The MOU provides for the creation of a Joint Technical Working Group and a Project Steering Committee to ensure effective implementation and coordination. It includes nationwide programs such as the development of age-appropriate tourism services, capacity-building workshops, guided nature activities, and promotion of senior-run enterprises.

The DOT will lead in identifying tourism areas where senior citizens can thrive through livelihood opportunities, capacity-building programs, and skills development activities. It will also provide technical support and facilitate workshops and seminars aimed to equip senior citizens with knowledge and tools to participate meaningfully in the tourism sector.

The NCSC, on the other hand, will coordinate closely with DOT in identifying communities and senior citizens who will benefit from these programs. It will contribute its expertise in planning, monitoring, and engaging stakeholders, ensuring that every initiative directly responds to the needs of the elderly. The NCSC will also oversee reporting and assessments to guide improvements and future collaborations.

Also present to show support on this significant undertaking are officials from the NCSC including, Commissioners Ricardo Rainier G. Cruz III, Edwin G. Espejo, Enriqueta R. Rodeles, Dr. Ida Yap- Patron, and Acting Executive Director Emmanuel E. Daez. While Secretary Frasco was joined by Undersecretary Maria Rica C. Bueno, Undersecretary Myra Paz-Abubakar, Assistant Secretary Czarina Zara-Loyola, Assistant Secretary Ronald Conopio, Atty. Glenn Albert M. Ocampo, and Dir. Alven Talisic.

Together, both agencies aim to foster active aging, social inclusion, and economic empowerment among senior citizens—transforming them from passive recipients of services to active contributors to nation-building. Through this partnership, Filipino elderly will gain more accessible, productive, and dignified opportunities in tourism and community life.