Iloilo City introduces urban travel programme for senior citizens

Iloilo City in the Central Philippines recently launched a travel programme for the benefit of elderly residents.

Conducted in partnership with the city’s Office of Senior Citizens’ Affairs (OSCA), this unique programme enables the elderly to experience their home city as tourists.

Fifteen senior citizens, all officers of the Federation of Senior Citizens Associations of the Philippines–Iloilo City chapter, participated in the program’s first guided tour on Thursday, 20th February.

A rolling city tour

The half-day trip featured rolling tours and stopovers at key tourist sites, including Jaro Cathedral and Belfry, Molo Mansion, Molo Plaza, and Molo Church.

As one participant enthused: “We feel valued and happy because the city government gave us this opportunity.”

She added that most senior citizens, especially in other areas of the country, would not have the chance to explore Iloilo or any other place on their own.

Special assistant to the city mayor Mathilde Treñas explained that the programme helps seniors appreciate Iloilo’s heritage and promotes local tourism.

She pointed out that many elderly residents rarely leave their homes, so this gives them something to look forward to.

According to Treñas: “Our itinerary is mostly in Iloilo City, like heritage houses, open spaces, and churches.”

OSCA head Eleanor Gregorio added that around 20 senior citizens will be accommodated every Thursday.

Interested individuals need to register with OSCA using their senior citizen’s ID as proof that they are residents of the city.

Gregorio said: “Please spread the word so they would know that every Thursday, we have this kind of activity for them.”