SENIOR citizens may have a chance at a new career soon.
Jovi Ganongan, officer-in-charge of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Cordillera, said close to forty senior citizens are about to complete the basic tour guiding course this week.
Ganongan said the training for senior citizens is the first program in the region to enjoin elders into the tourism industry. After the seven day course, the seniors will be accredited by the department as certified community guides in the city.
“They know our history and culture as well as our values and traditions, that is important so that we don’t lose them,” Ganongan said, adding the senior guide are aggressive and love the new task they have chosen.
The seminar includes eco-tourism, history and culture, flora and fauna and the Philippine Brand of Service for the 35 senior citizens from all over the city.
City Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda said feedback has been good about the DOT program with one participant saying she did not think that in her senior years, she would have a chance for a second career.
“This is how a participant in the seminar describes her experience. Of course I am very happy for them. I did not think that this simple idea of mine would enrich the lives of the seniors. For many, it was a first time experience. A nature tour, dining in a first class hotel, listening to world class speakers etc. It has been a total experience. I am very grateful to DOT - CAR for making this dream a reality,” Tabanda added.
The lady councilor who is in charge of senior citizens affairs said she is fully supporting the DOT program.
Ganongan said the seniors want to become productive members of society and with the completion of the course, they can now be tapped by the DOT, the city tourism office as well as tour operators for specialized and regular tours in the pine city.