Markus Castro
MANILA – For 51 years, Maritess Holoyohoy lived only a few kilometers away from Intramuros, yet the centuries-old walls of Manila’s historic district remained strangely unknown to her.
A domestic helper in Saudi Arabia and a resident of Baseco, Manila, Maritess finally got the chance to visit Intramuros on May 25, 2026 as she joined the opening of “Pasyal Pamilya,” a week-long heritage initiative that welcomed Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their loved ones for free guided tours and activities around the Walled City.
Led by the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and Intramuros Administration (IA), the program offers OFWs and returning migrant workers an opportunity to reconnect with Philippine history and culture through free access to heritage attractions, such as Centro de Turismo Intramuros and Fort Santiago.
“Ang sarap ng pakiramdam, kasi kumbaga, ngayon lang ako nakalaya. Masarap pala magpasyal-pasyal,” Maritess shared. (It feels so good because, in a way, this is the first time I have felt free. Strolling around is actually enjoyable).
For Maritess, among the highlights of her visit was the guided tour inside Fort Santiago, where she gained a deeper appreciation of Philippine history through stories and historical accounts.
The same held true for Gaudencio “Mel” Aplaon III, a 35-year-old seaman, who arrived with his wife and 3-year old son after he came across the program on the DOT’s Facebook page.
He said the guided heritage tour offered more than just sightseeing and deepened his appreciation of the country’s rich history.
Mel, who has worked as a seaman for 10 years, said he and his then-girlfriend used to stroll around Intramuros long before they started a family.
“Dati kasi pag pumupunta kami dito, picture-picture lang, tapos sabay uwi. Parang ‘yan lang. Ngayon, may mapupulot ka na kaalaman sa ating history. Napakahalaga po sa atin [malaman ang] mga kung anong nangyari dati sa kapanahunan. Parang na-reflect mo sa buhay mo kung anong klaseng halimbawa ‘yung [dapat] pahalagahan natin,” he said.
(Before, whenever we visited here, we would just take pictures then go home right after. Now, I learned about history. It is very important for us to know what happened in the past. It’s like you get to reflect on lessons from the past that we should value).
Culturally rooted, meaningful tourism experiences
“Pasyal Pamilya” officially kicked off on Monday (May 25), with OFWs and their companions from Metro Manila and nearby regions joining the opening activities and visiting Centro de Turismo Intramuros and Fort Santiago through free guided tours.
Under the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023–2028 aims to promote culturally rooted, inclusive, and meaningful tourism experiences while fostering a deeper appreciation of Philippine identity and heritage among Filipinos.
Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said the initiative was envisioned as more than a heritage tour, but also as a space for OFWs to spend meaningful time with loved ones after long periods of separation.
“‘Pasyal Pamilya’ is our way of honoring the sacrifices of our Overseas Filipino Workers and returning migrant workers by giving them and their families meaningful experiences in Intramuros. Through these guided tours, we hope to create lasting memories, strengthen appreciation for our heritage, and remind our modern-day heroes that they are always valued and welcome home,” said the Tourism Chief.
The week-long activity is part of the Philippines’ observance of National Migrant Workers’ Day every June 7.
“Kaya kapag umuuwi ka talaga ng Pilipinas, ramdam mo na pamilya mo ‘to. Talagang sariling mong bayan ‘to. ‘Di ko ipagpapalit [ang Pinas] sa ibang bansa,” Maritess shared.
(So, whenever you come home to the Philippines, you feel that you are with family. This is truly your own country. I would never trade [the Philippines] for another country).
“Ang dami nilang pina-experience sa amin na masaya, na kahit papaano ‘yung mga pinagdaanan namin sa ibang bansa, feel free kami ngayon. Kasi sa loob ng dalawang taon mahigit, nandoon lang kami, nakakulong sa isang bahay na wala kaming freedom. Trabaho lang talaga. Ngayon talagang masaya kami,” she added.
(They gave us so many happy experiences that, somehow, after everything we went through abroad, we finally feel free to enjoy now. Because for more than two years, we were just there, confined in a house with no freedom. It was all just work. Now, we are really happy).
Running until May 31, “Pasyal Pamilya” is open to all OFWs and returning migrant workers. Eligible participants may bring up to four companions and enjoy free entry and guided tours upon presentation of a valid Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) or Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) membership ID.
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