Manila: The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) on Wednesday led the launch of the 2025 Elderly Filipino Week with the rolling out of simultaneous activities and service caravans across the country to honor the contributions of senior citizens. NCSC spokesperson Loraine Cerillo Valdevieso said the annual celebration is mandated under Proclamation No. 470 signed by former President Fidel V. Ramos to recognize the role of the elderly in nation-building.

According to Philippines News Agency, the celebration started very early with masses nationwide, followed by a walk for life and service caravans with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), PhilHealth, and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to deliver services for senior citizens. Valdevieso highlighted the collaboration with these agencies to ensure that seniors receive the services they need.

As part of this year’s celebration, Valdevieso announced the NCSC’s new partnership with the Department of Tourism to train seniors as accredited community tour guides. This initiative provides senior citizens with the opportunity to remain active in the tourism sector through a seven-day training program to become accredited tour guides in Intramuros.

The program aims to replicate the Intramuros model in other priority tourism areas nationwide, allowing senior citizens to serve as storytellers of history. Valdevieso also emphasized the importance of young Filipinos assisting their elderly family members in participating in the activities to strengthen intergenerational relationships.

Elderly Filipino Week will run until Oct. 7, with simultaneous events planned in all regions, ensuring widespread participation and engagement.