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DOT AND NCSC SEAL PARTNERSHIP FOR SENIOR-FRIENDLY TOURISM
MAKATI CITY — The Department of Tourism (DOT) is ramping up its efforts to create a more inclusive and senior-friendly tourism industry in the Philippines.
In a milestone collaboration, the DOT and the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on May 21, 2025.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and NCSC Officer-in-Charge and Commission Member IV Dr. Mary Jean P. Loreche led the ceremonial signing at the DOT Central Office in Makati City, witnessed by DOT Undersecretary Maria Rica C. Bueno and NCSC Acting Executive Director Emmanuel E. Daez. The agreement formalizes both agencies’ shared commitment to promote the well-being, inclusion, and empowerment of senior citizens and enjoin their active participation in senior citizen-friendly programs in tourism.
“I am elated to join all of you today as we mark this strategic partnership to further expand the Department of Tourism’s initiatives to ensure its continued inclusivity, as tourism has and will always be a tool for national pride and national progress, and no other sector has contributed in such a long-standing and dedicated manner other than our beloved senior citizens,” Secretary Frasco said in her message.
“Working with the senior citizens population is something that I have had personal experience with from my time as Mayor of Liloan. And in my interactions with them—in hearing their stories, in learning of their sacrifices, and in knowing how much more still they can contribute to our nation, I am filled with a great sense of excitement as to how much we can do together, recognizing that there are boundless opportunities for our senior citizens not only to enjoy the tourism products that we have in our country, but rather to be meaningful contributors to a tourism industry that thrives and continues to provide gainful livelihood to our fellow Filipinos,” she added.
Under the partnership, the DOT and NCSC will work together to carry out various initiatives under the following areas: development of elderly-friendly tourism infrastructure; promotion of barrier-free tourism; enhancement of digital literacy and access to online tourism platforms; conduct of senior artisan workshops and local product markets as well as tourism-linked wellness programs; establishment of homestay program for seniors; promotion of culinary arts tourism, and the development of retirement villages and other age-appropriate tourism services, among others.
Dr. Loreche, in her address, emphasized the NCSC’s mission to create a society where aging is celebrated and supported. “Gusto po natin na, pag tuwing meron tayong mga bisita—hindi lang sa local o sa domestic market, kundi sa ibang galing sa ibang international areas—makita po nila kung paano pinagpapala ang mga nakakatanda (sa Pilipinas). At ang pagbigay ng isang opportunity na tayo ay mabigyan ng pagkakataon na maging partner ng ating “Love the Philippines” na [motto ng ating Secretary],” she said.
The collaboration is anchored on Section 33 of the 2025 General Appropriations Act, mandating all government agencies to formulate programs addressing the concerns of senior citizens and persons with disabilities. It is also supported by the provisions of Republic Act No. 11350 or the National Commission of Senior Citizens Act, and Republic Act No. 9593 also known as the “Tourism Act of 2009”, which mandates the DOT to lead in tourism development that fosters socio-economic and cultural inclusivity.
Under the MOU, the DOT and NCSC shall form a Project Steering Committee and a Technical Working Group to jointly oversee and implement nationwide initiatives that promote active aging and sustainable livelihood for senior citizens in tourism-related areas. Both parties agreed to bear their respective costs for implementation, subject to the availability of resources and existing government rules.
Among DOT’s current senior-focused initiatives are the annual “EngAge” program for retiring personnel, the Barrier-Free Tourism initiative for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and elderly travelers, and various regional wellness, heritage, faith/pilgrimage, farm and creative tourism activities for senior citizens. The DOT also operates Tourist Rest Areas across the country that feature senior citizen- and PWD-friendly amenities.
“We are deeply grateful to the NCSC for your steadfast leadership and unwavering dedication to the cause of our senior citizens. Your work stands as a beacon of compassion and advocacy, and we are honored to stand beside you in this shared mission. To all of our partners and stakeholders who are present here today, may this collaboration serve as a reminder that the true strength of Philippine tourism lies not only in the beauty of our destinations but in the inclusivity of our vision and the unity of our purpose,” the Tourism Chief enthused.
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PHOTO:
From left to right: National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) Acting Executive Director Emmanuel E. Daez, NCSC Officer-in-Charge and Commission Member IV Dr. Mary Jean P. Loreche, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, and DOT Undersecretary Maria Rica C. Bueno.
Published:May 22, 2025
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