Iloilo City Launches Senior Citizens’ Travel Program

By Marela Angella Oladive

The Iloilo City government, through the Office of Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon and the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), has launched “Halad Paglibot Para sa Aton Senior Citizens,” a travel program allowing elderly residents to explore the city’s key tourist attractions.

Fifteen officers of the Federation of Senior Citizens Associations of the Philippines–Iloilo City chapter participated in the program’s inaugural guided tour on Feb. 20.

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

OSCA head Eleanor Gregorio said around 20 senior citizens would be accommodated for the tour every Thursday.

Interested participants must register with OSCA and present a senior citizen ID as proof of residency.

Mathilde Treñas, special assistant to Mayor Jerry Treñas, said the program aims to help seniors appreciate Iloilo’s heritage while promoting local tourism.

She noted that many elderly residents rarely leave their homes, making this initiative an opportunity for them to visit the city’s cultural and historical landmarks.

The city government encourages more senior citizens to participate.