NCSC, DOT Celebrate Senior Citizens’ New Role in Local Tourism

The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT), awarded 24 senior citizens on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, for successfully completing the Community Tour Guide Training held in Intramuros, Manila.

Conducted from 24 September to 03 October 2025, the program consisted of 56 hours of lectures and hands-on mock tours assessed by both the DOT and the Intramuros Administration (IA).

Out of the 24 who completed the training, 18 senior citizens are qualified to undergo DOT’s Community Tour Guide Accreditation.

Among the successful passers are Ma. Jerissa Sunico (64), Gerardo C. Medina (64), and Gladys C. De Jesus (68), who all expressed enthusiasm about serving visitors and promoting Manila’s historic sites.

“As a senior citizen, nagkaroon ulit ako ng purpose sa life. Hindi kasi natatapos [ang career] at the age of 60 [because] there’s life after 60,” Sunico said, expressing gratitude for helping her achieve her dream of becoming a tour guide.

“Masaya dahil nakapasa ako at very excited din kasi wish kong maging isang tour guide sa Intramuros,” De Jesus shared, who’s also grateful for the bonds shared with other trainees.

“Instead of just staying at home, at least naho-hone ang aming skills at the same time nakakatulong din sa ating tourism industry itong opportunity,” said Medina, a Tourism class professor in Mandaluyong.

The NCSC reaffirmed its commitment to support the senior citizen trainees through the remaining steps of the accreditation process until they become fully accredited Community Tour Guides. The same support will also be extended to the participants fell short in the selection process.

NCSC Acting Executive Director Ana Marie C. Calapit and NCSC–NCR Regional Director Atty. August Anthony M. Balute led the awarding ceremony.

The “Tourism Legacy and Livelihood Program” aims to create livelihood opportunities for senior citizens while enhancing community-based tourism services—starting with its pilot implementation in Manila before expanding to other regions nationwide. ■