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More than seven million tourists visited Intramuros in Manila in 2025, many of whom explored the historic Walled City with the help of tour guides who bring years of experience and knowledge to their work.
Among them is 69-year-old Edgardo Satira, a former radio reporter who now works as a senior citizen tour guide in Intramuros.
In a report by Darlene Cay on “24 Oras Weekend,” Satira enthusiastically shares stories about the historic district, emphasizing the importance of learning its history.
“It’s challenging to be a senior tour guide, but in a way, the challenge makes me happy,” Satira said.
For 80-year-old Erlinda Flores, becoming a tour guide offered a new way to stay active and enjoy her retirement after working as a caregiver abroad.
“This is really what I want. I really like this because I want to work outside. I like talking,” Flores said.
Satira and Flores are among 15 senior citizens accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as tour guides in Intramuros.
According to DOT Assistant Secretary Ina Zara Loyola, the program aims to provide senior citizens with opportunities to remain active, productive and empowered while sharing their knowledge and experiences with tourists.
Becoming an accredited tour guide, however, requires training.
The senior guides undergo a weeklong seminar and a fit-to-work assessment to prepare them for interacting with tourists and reviewing the history of Intramuros.
Tour guides also need passion, willingness to learn, physical fitness and the ability to engage visitors and tell stories about Philippine history.
For tourists, the experience has been rewarding.
One tourist praised Satira for his extensive knowledge, patience and sharp memory, noting that he remained cheerful while explaining the history of Intramuros despite his age.
Through the program, senior citizens are not only earning an opportunity to work but are also helping preserve and share the stories of one of the Philippines’ most historic destinations. — MCG/KG, GMA News
