The Department of Tourism (DOT)-Region 1 is helping strengthen heritage appreciation and patriotism among the elderly through immersive historical tours – a creative approach to reconnecting participants with the nation’s cultural identity and history.
This initiative brought 15 senior citizens from the Federation of Senior Citizens of Manaoag, Pangasinan, and the Office of the Senior Citizen Association of San Fernando City, La Union on the DOT Regional Historical Trail, visiting significant sites across the Ilocos Region.
In Ilocos Sur, the group explored the Bessang Pass Marker in Tagudin, the Vigan City Museum, and the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) Ilocos Regional Museum Complex.
For the participants, the experience was more than just sightseeing — it became a journey of reflection and rediscovery.
Alfredo Oligario, Jr., one of the elderly from La Union described the tour as meaningful and revitalizing, sharing his awe at the rich stories of heroism and the well-preserved cultural artifacts.
“I was enamored by the vibrant history, particularly the story of the families during the end of the Japanese occupation– it was refreshing to hear stories of our heroes and be surrounded by their photos and belongings at the same time,” Oligario, Jr. said.
He added that he was happy to see the preservation of culture and historical collections in Ilocos Sur, and appreciated his inclusion to the DOT’s tour.
Oligario also said that he appreciated that the tour guides were able to explain in detail the events in the past and that because of this he felt a stronger sense of his identity as a Filipino.
The Bessang Pass Marker, in particular, stands as a symbol of Ilocano courage — a reminder of the sacrifices made by local fighters that contributed to the eventual defeat of Japanese forces during World War II.
Visiting this historic site gave the elderly a deeper understanding of the region’s role in shaping the nation’s freedom.
Evangeline Dadat, Officer-In-Charge Regional Director of DOT-Region 1, underscored the importance of these historical trails in strengthening national pride.
“We have to strengthen and promote patriotism, so one way of doing that is with this historical trail,” she said.
Dadat clarified that while local government units (LGUs) lead the preservation and sustainability of these historical sites, the DOT supports their efforts through programs like this.
Meanwhile, the NMP Ilocos Regional Museum Complex continues to attract visitors, reporting 38,089 guests since January.
Its newly launched exhibit, “Naipasdek a Tawid (A Well-Preserved Heritage): The Defensive Architecture of Ilocos,” showcases the region’s historic watchtowers, lighthouses, and churches – structures that stand as testaments to the ingenuity and resilience of the Ilocano people.
DOT Region 1’s initiative not only preserves the past but ensures that future generations inherit a rich cultural legacy – with the elderly playing a vital role in sharing and remembering these stories. (CCMT/ATV, PIA Ilocos Sur)
