ANGELES CITY, Pampanga — Thirty senior citizens from Angeles City participated in the first Community Tour Guiding Program in Central Luzon, an initiative aimed at empowering older adults to become community-based tourism ambassadors while helping preserve the city’s history and cultural heritage.
The training was jointly organized by the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), the Department of Tourism (DOT), and the Angeles City Government through its City Tourism Office. The program was held at the Angeles City Library.
According to organizers, the Community Tour Guiding Program equips senior citizens with the knowledge and skills needed to serve as local tour guides, enabling them to share Angeles City’s historical landmarks, traditions, cultural heritage, and notable attractions with residents and visitors.
The initiative marks the first time the program has been conducted in Central Luzon (Region III), highlighting a collaborative effort to promote inclusive tourism while recognizing the important role of older persons in community development.
Officials said the program encourages senior citizens to remain active by participating in tourism-related activities and sharing their personal experiences and historical knowledge with younger generations. Their firsthand accounts and familiarity with the city’s evolution are seen as valuable resources in preserving Angeles City’s identity and cultural legacy.
Beyond strengthening heritage tourism, the initiative also supports efforts to provide meaningful opportunities for senior citizens to remain engaged in civic and community life.
The Angeles City Government said programs that encourage active aging and lifelong participation continue to form part of its broader social development agenda. At the same time, the city is pursuing initiatives designed to enhance its tourism sector by promoting local culture, history, and heritage.
The local government, under the leadership of Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II, has expressed support for projects that recognize senior citizens not only as beneficiaries of government services but also as active contributors to community growth and cultural preservation.
Tourism officials said community-based guiding programs can enrich visitors’ experiences by offering authentic stories and local perspectives that reflect the city’s rich heritage.
As Angeles City continues to strengthen its tourism industry, officials hope similar initiatives will encourage greater community participation while preserving the traditions and historical narratives that define the city.
