Government to roll out age-inclusive travel programs under new DOT-NCSC deal

The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) signed a historic partnership on 21 May to promote inclusive tourism programs for senior citizens in the Philippines.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and NCSC Commissioner Dr. Mary Jean Loreche led the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the DOT Central Office in Makati City, formalizing joint efforts to improve accessibility and participation of elderly citizens in tourism.

Among the planned initiatives are the development of elderly-friendly infrastructure, promotion of barrier-free tourism, wellness programs, and homestay and retirement village concepts. The agreement also includes training workshops and enhanced digital literacy for older adults.

“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.

The collaboration is supported by Republic Act No. 11350 (National Commission of Senior Citizens Act) and the Tourism Act of 2009, mandating the DOT to promote socio-economic and cultural inclusivity in tourism development.