DoT launches training, job program for seniors

In a move to advance inclusive tourism in the country, the Department of Tourism (DoT) is rolling out a new initiative that opens up training and employment opportunities for qualified senior citizens.

The program may soon extend to persons with disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable sectors.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) officer-in-charge Mary Jean Loreche, signaling a formal partnership that aims to integrate the elderly into the tourism workforce.

“Through this partnership, we will be activating our regional offices to include senior citizens in their training for tourism stakeholders,” Frasco disclosed.

“(Our elderly) simply have to approach our regional offices or the NCSC, and we can definitely include them in our training modules,” she added.

According to Loreche, the NCSC is currently conducting a needs assessment to shape a responsive and accessible training program. Once implemented, only basic mental and physical fitness will be required for senior citizens to participate.

“Sa bawat region may sari-sarili ‘yang tourism destinations. So, if it’s going to be cultural heritage sites, so be it, if they want to be in tour guiding, so be it, if they want to be in the resorts and hotels, and be part of the personnel puwede rin, so marami talagang puwede rin,” she noted.

Beyond training, the DoT-NCSC collaboration seeks to formulate tourism policies that consider the specific needs of older travelers. Infrastructure upgrades and the creation of tailored tourism products are also being eyed to enrich senior citizens’ travel experiences.

“We will make a conscious effort that in the tourism programs and circuits that we’re launching in our destinations, there are opportunities for seniors to enjoy, not just discounts, perhaps from our tourism stakeholders, but also expanded opportunities to enjoy different kinds of tourism products,” Frasco pointed out.

Frasco emphasized that this partnership is not a one-off project but a sustained engagement between the DoT and NCSC, with the MoU designed to institutionalize the inclusive program for the long term. TRACY CABRERA